Hungry?

[mdavis]

For those of us old enough to have been through the late sixties (and perhaps others)...

[ link removed ]



[jkeller posts:]
I'm removing the link, but leaving the thread open for discussion. "Anything goes" in Chit Chat, but posts shouldn't alienate other users. Feel free to explain to me otherwise.

[clio]

I'm Chinese and I find that very offensive. Just my opinion, I know it's a joke, but I find it very offensive.

[EHG]

I've seen and heard quite a bit of ethnic humor and some of it is quite good, it's very humorous so I don't condemn all humor that is based on ethnicity, nationality, religion, sexual preferences or any other traits.

I think it is important that we as humans and as members of any ethnicity or nationality or religion etc., maintain the ability to laugh at ourselves.

When it comes to this kind of humor based on any of the above traits, the intentions of the creator have much to do with how the audience will interpet it.

However If the intention of the writer of this particular presentation meant for it to be humorous I DID NOT SEE IT. I personally did not find this funny or humorous at all - and I can understand why Clio would feel offended with it.

Just my opinion but unlike clio - I'm not sure it was meant as a joke - I believe it could have been meant as a direct insult.

[kiwi li]

That's one of the only songs that I don't like, and I'm hoping it's not from Wierd Al (since I do like some of his songs...) Being of chinese decent, it bothers me a little. But... *shrug*... doesn't effect me that much. I know when I cook, I don't use cat. I guess it's also varying degrees of opinons across different geographical areas perhaps.

However, upon looking at this person's site, I don't know how exactly Mike had gotten this... since the main page is full of ads of what I should deem illegal, and perhaps if Clio wanted to, she could probably try to get it banned or something since the site that's hosting it has a TOS... kinda. *shrug* Time for more LES305 stuff...

[mdavis]

I tried to post a reply to this earlier but was unsuccessful, unless it double posts for some reason. I apologize if it does.

First, the posting was not intended to be offensive. I debated two days before posting it, fearing that it would create exactly the response that it appears to have done. I had hoped that those who would enjoy it would do so, and those who wouldn't would move on, unoffended. NOT...

There are a number of times that the sensibilities of those who post on this forum are alien in values to my own. I think it a mark of maturity that one is able to let others, by and large, be themselves without being offended by there choice in humor or way of life.

Of course, each one of us can and should be who we are. At the same time, we should try not to go out of our way to offend others. I was not trying to offend anyone. I do not believe that the link reflected anything accurate about the oriental mindset or way of life. I am sorry that I posted the link. I think it was funny and very creative. But I am sad that those who chose to be offended by it did so. I understand why they were. I am very sad that it caused them to feel demeaned.

Second, as to the note regarding the "main page" by Kiwi Li. The way I got this link was because it was sent to me. I usually ignore stupid e-mails, but found this one creative and humorous. Hence, the posting. It was not found via a search for anything illegal (if that was the implication - which, so that I won't be offended, I will not take to be the case). Moreover, in my brief glance at the main page this AM, it appears that what is on that page would be legally regarded as "protected speech," even though I disagree vehemently with what it argues for, legalization of marijuana laws (except for medical use).

It is a hard thing to monitor and honor the boundaries between ourselves and others, where we stop and others begin. Sometimes we push limits, other times, we marginalize ourselves. This is an illustration of that tension.

[jkeller]

I agree on balance with what you wrote. I'd read your original post soon after you made it, and apparently took it in the way you meant it (in light of what you wrote above).

It's a difficult balance to maintain between the ideal of a fully open forum and an atmosphere that appeals to the client base of a commercial entity. With that in mind, it wasn't until the replies were posted that I decided to moderate.

I think you make several good points, and I hope you don't feel like removing the link was a personal action.

[EHG]

Originally posted by Mike

I do not believe that the link reflected anything accurate about the oriental mindset or way of life.

In this case I am SURE you meant nothing offensive, however not long ago I used 'oriental' as an adjective and immediately received replies from two individuals, one of Chinese decent and one of Vietnamese who felt offended by the term. I was informed that Asian or using their nationality such as 'Chinese' was appropriate but that many Asians felt that the word 'oriental' was demeaning and would take offense to it.

Times change, and even though I had no idea at the time that the term had a negative implication, I apologized and have refrained from using it since.

We are no longer living in the age of "Amos and Andy" or "Charlie Chan" and I believe it is extremely important that all people treat eachother with respect regardless of nationality or the numerious other traits I indicated in my prior post.

I'm not trying to get on your case Mike, really. I'm positive you are no more guilty then I was and I'm just passing on some info I recently acquired.

[kiwi li]

Mike- I wasn't intending for my post to insinuate that you were searching illegal stuff, but the person's site seemed to be quite... um... veering towards a genre that looked illegal, I don't remember if it had an ad titled, Free marijuana or some nonsensical thing there. Sorry about that... (should post when I *actually* get sleep... hehe)

What I meant is that if Clio wanted to, she could try to shut the individual's site down. Maybe if the person made this, they could probably spend their time doing something more constructive.

However, anything one can say or do - including nothing can make people mad. Even Jesus had enemies. Even what I say might make people mad, or be offended.

You shouldn't, however, feel sorry that you posted the link. People have varying degrees of opinions, and I find it nice that people post external links here to places that they find funny - sure, there's a risk that it might make people uncomfortable or offended, or it makes the place more fun. ^_^

Kiwi Li