moderating on the board

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Posted By: Joann

Leon,

I think it should stay the way it is. People do need to have thick skins to off-hand remarks. I don't note that any one individual is routinely over the line or constantly making offensive comments under the guise of humor. People here are generally very good, and even very good people can make a verbal gaffe or even an intentional statement that is maybe too close to the edge. So what? If one or two people were doing it all the time, I have no doubt in my mind it would get addressed in the normal course of moderating the board, based on a recognition that the person offends more than a few people and more than occasionally.

And a note on Imus - because there truly is some parallel to his situation and the question of this thread:

Perfect example of a good person saying the wrong thing (see above). His show is sarcastic, edgy and no real sacred cows. Even in that context, the comment was over the line - no doubt about that.

But the aftermath was a complete shame. He apologized and it was very sincere. He suggested things he was going to do to make up for it and change his show. If you saw him on his show the past few days I have no doubt the contrition was genuine.

But that wasn't enough for the head-hunters who smelled blood and saw an opportunity to grandstand on it (you listening, Al Sharpton?). They took a bad thing and made it worse by completely disallowing any opportunity for reconciliation or dialog. Only complete destruction of the man and his career would do.

So .. to tie these two together. Let's let good people make jokes and be themselves on this board. If something occasionally goes over the line let it stay in that context. Save the total destruction for someone that really deserves it - in this case by constant and unabated racial, sexual or otherwise offensive humor. We'll know when it happens. Just like we knew that Sean had crossed a different line in a different way.

Thanks for the ear.

Joann