Jazzem wrote:...just think it's important that toxic people are taken down for their toxicity above all else.
Now this I do agree with. I think one of the reasons I struggle to get along with these kinds of topics in GR (or anywhere, really) is because - personally - I think responses like "fat strawberry split" are not really conducive to talking about the subject.
I have changed my mind a little bit in terms of dealing with racists and bigots; I know that not all of them are going to change their opinions on the basis of a discussion and that more proactive approaches are needed to change their mindset. Behaviour does need to be called out and a firm response given that it is not acceptable.
At the moment, though, I am not sure whether Boogie should get so much vitriol. His opinions are naive and perhaps his approach gives way too much ground to the people who hold horrible views, but I feel this is because he genuinely thinks that everyone will change their minds over the course of a discussion. Unfortunately, not all of them will.
In my view, more people are now open to, and embrace, diversity than in past years. I believe that a big factor in this is due to people standing up and calling out when horrible behaviours are witnessed. I feel that - in my eyes - things have improved compared to were they used to be but, of course, I'm not saying that there isn't still a long way to go.
Please note: I have not said that I support Boogie's words; nor that his approach isn't misguided in some aspects; nor that racism and bigotry doesn't take place now; nor that people should not call out unacceptable behaviour; nor that we shouldn't be vigilent for such behaviours.