"closed"-----Are you a homophobic web site?
Homophobic advertising is the same as racist, sexist, advertising -- do you screen your advertisers? Do you care what message is promoted along side your name?
16 Answers
Just last night we had a thread on this board about how to say "lesbians rock". A "homophobic web site" would never allow such a thing.
And just so you know, opposition to changing the historic definition of marriage to something it has never meant is not homophobia.
JRey said:
This forum has very strict rules about offensive speech, even if such speech doesn't offend everyone. This ad certainly offends some, and depending on your point of view, does not promote a family friendly atmosphere.
I would certainly offend me if I saw an ad that promotes marriage ONLY between a man and woman. That's clearly an ad promoting the denial of equal rights to a large number of people. Our people: family and friends.
It's odd that advocating for the denial of people's civil rights is met here with "what's the big deal, who cares, if you don't like it don't read it"
I'm horrified when I see people pushing the "you will only marry who I tell you to marry" bulls***T because, again, it's a clear denial of equal rights to many people, including families.
I ask this:
Would it be okay to post an ad that is against black civil rights? How about one that wants to do away with equal rights for women? Where do you draw the line? Are you going to allow those ads as "free speech" too?
Bottom line is this: this website is supposed to be family-friendly (not political, etc.) and ads like that are not appropriate.
The advert in question does not seem to be showing on the UK version of this site.
However, the original poster has certainly succeeded in drawing everyone's attention to it. Perhaps a personal email to an administrator would have been a better way to deal with this?
Perhaps the ads are regional, and only people in the northeastern U.S. can see this particular ad. I've seen it on almost every page and refresh. I agree that this is not a homophobic website, which makes the inclusion of such an advertisement even more curious. I believe in free speech as well, but I also believe that people should be accountable for the speech they choose to use. This forum has very strict rules about offensive speech, even if such speech doesn't offend everyone. This ad certainly offends some, and depending on your point of view, does not promote a family friendly atmosphere.
As Shelia says, this advert appears to have bypassed us in this little old back water called England. What was its message?
Just to make a distinction...
Freedom of speech generally implies a freedom from governmental interference or retribution as a direct result of how a person expresses themselves (Congress shall make no laws...). This is a tenet of the constitution (bill of rights) and is not binding or (usually) ever followed as a business model.
In fact, I am sure that most of us are aware that businesses make rules and bylaws all the time that impinge on its employees freedom of speech. For example, you may choose to exercise your constitutionally guaranteed freedom to mouth off to the boss at work over something that you disagree with and not fear criminal charges. However, that freedom does in no way guarantee that you won't get sacked or written-up for insubordination. While you may feel that you were justified in your speech, it is ultimately up to the decision makers in the business as to what the consequences of your actions will be (up to and including termination).
In terms of free speech, yes, this advertisement is probably protected under the law, but it is ultimately up to sites such as these to accept or reject the advertising dollars in order for the message to be broadcast to a larger audience. If this site refuses to accept the message then it lawfully restricts the advertiser's ability to broadcast its message and curtails its free speech. As most businesses exist to make money, I imagine that tipping point as to whether this type of speech will be allowed has nothing to do with the Bill of Rights but depends more on how much the advertiser is willing to pay to get this message out and how many people are willing to complain (in favor or against the message).
It's odd that advocating for the denial of people's civil rights is met here with "what's the big deal, who cares, if you don't like it don't read it", but if someone translates the word "fart" into Spanish, suddenly nobody can avert their eyes, and the translator is flagged and admonished.
I want to reiterate that I do not think this is a homophobic website, nor am I lobbying for stricter limitations being placed on our discussions. I enjoy this discussion, and I find it useful.
As I don´t know what homophobic means, can I be excused in answering?
"lesbians rock"
Right, I think there is nothing wrong with a thread like that...everybody can think what he wishes, but we are not swearing here or having a conversation with explicit content.
An as as long as it does not show anything offensive, I mean offensive pictures, or invite you to watch offensive movies or participate in violent activities, it is allowed on this site. After all you are free to click on the ad or not.
the other day we had an ad about meeting some Russian girls. Just ignore, no problem with that I think
Same reason they don't allow God or country in schools anymore they shouldn't allow teachings about homosexual marriage either.
As to not offend anybody, , I will only say this: Freedom of Speech. If you are opposed, please do not click it, as I have chosen not to. But they still have the right to advertise.
Creo en las libertades. La libertad de expresión, de palabra y tengo la libertad de elección. Yo soy canadiense y, en general no encontramos prefferences sexual de una persona a ser un problema. En los años que he sido miembro de este foro puedo decir que nunca he visto nada ofensivo en la barra lateral. He visto algunos de los puestos más grosero, pero han sido atendidas de inmediato
There is an advertisement that is currently running on the dictionary page (at least) that reads "Don't Let Public Schools Teach Homosexual Marriage, Listen to the Shocking NPR Story" followed by a "listen and donate now" tab. It definitely caught my attention too, but I didn't click to listen. It's sponsored by the "Stand for Marriage Maine" campaign. Sounds a little homophobic to me. And I don't think it's because I have an "infected computer."
Maybe the "advertisements" you see are the pop-ups in your infected computer.
I am allowing this question, I will leave the forers to answer, but I can tell you right away, what we certainly care about is correct spelling and punctuation.
Please read the rules of this site
