Yes, there are others looking on

[Tobin S.]

I was looking through the threads here and I was not all that surprised to see the dissatisfaction with DU. Someone said something about malicious eyes reading here. Well, there are sympathetic ones, too. I've been here since 2003 (used to go by a different handle) and this is the worst I've ever seen DU. I don't know how much of the animosity is racially motivated, but I'm sure some of it is. It may not be registering in the consciousness of some of the posters and there are others who may know exactly what they are doing. I'm sure that there are a lot of trolls here right now, too. I got into a fight with one the other night who got banned as a result. That was one nasty dude.

Some of you are talking about leaving and I wouldn't blame you if you do. But I hope you decide to stay.

[Fire1]

1. Thankyou Tobin. Very nice of you to say. It gets to be a bit

much, sometimes but we're used to fighting the good fight. We've done it all our lives. I hope we stay too.:hi:

[Number23]

2. Hey Tobin! It's very nice to meet you.

I really appreciate your note and I'm so glad you decided to post this here, particularly now. :toast:

I have to say that it makes me feel good to know that the minority members of DU are getting such support from other members. Right now judging by how hateful this site has become, and how our OPs are getting locked and posts deleted for nothing, the moderation going on around here now is not exactly inspiring a feeling of "warmth" and "acceptance" right now amongst too many members with melanin. But your post and the PMs I've gotten have been really lovely reminders that not everyone here is deranged. ;)

I don't know how much of the animosity is racially motivated

I've always said the same thing. I'm positive that not all of the anti-Obama sentiment on this site and within the Dem party is racially motivated, but I'm DAMN positive that at least some of it is. And yes, there are racists here just like everywhere else in America as well as the ignorant, the naive, and the plain old disruptive.

I can't help but laugh though; anyone who thinks that black folks (whose resilience is legendary) will be intimidated by something as stupid and insignificant as bullying on a damn message board obviously doesn't know very many black people. :rofl: Like I said, it's too bad that they don't have anything better to do with their time nor apparently any friends to give them something more important to care about.

Welcome, Tobin! I hope that you stick around and continue to contribute to AAIG!

[noiretextatique]

3. not going anywhere, Tobin

:hi: i've been here since 2001 (formerly norietblu), and i've had many nasty battles with racists trolls and the racists of DU. i know we have many allies here, so thanks for checking in.

[Karenina]

4. Appreciate your post!

:pals:

[Brewman_Jax]

5. That's very kind of you

:hi:

[Tobin S.]

6. You're welcome and thanks, everyone

I tend not to post in the big forums, but I do read them, especially on a big news day. Those forums are just too contentious for me as far as posting goes. It seems like I can't say anything in there without someone taking offense. It's very hard to have a grown-up conversation there. I'm sure you all can relate.

However, I am working on a post that I have tentatively titled "A White Man's Guide to Recognizing Racism and Sexism." I'm sure it will be a big hit!:D

Seriously, I do have something to say on the matter. I'll post it in GD when I'm feeling particularly courageous. :) And I will try to chime in here more often, too. I have posted in this forum in the past under the user name Droopy, but it's been a long time. You can look me up in this forum if you are feeling very bored. Take it easy.

[Number23]

7. "A White Man's Guide to Recognizing Racism and Sexism."

I EAGERLY look forward to that post!!! :rofl: :rofl:
:hi:

[Karenina]

8. DROOPY!!!

:pals: I invite you to take advantage of our connexion and post your draft here before venturing into GD. We ALL KNOW the title alone will draw the wasps and I, for one, would like to support your efforts. Oh shit, look what I just wrote! :rofl: Was THAT a Freudian slip or what? :hide:

[Fire1]

9. Totally agree. Run it by us first for edit. I'd hate to see you

mauled to death.