Occasionally things in here get pretty heated, and someone types something to somebody that's pretty nasty. Outside AR, thousands of instances of cyber-bullying occur everyday. There's probably not a one of us, who hasn't been on each side of this equation somewhere in our Internet lifetime. We've all insulted people, and have been insulted.

If you become the object of an insult, my best advice is to try to shrug it off. I know it's hard sometimes, but responding to an AR insult gives the person on the other side exactly what he wants. I've found that most people who write stupid stuff to people on the Internet, would probably not have written what they wrote, if they had just taken ten more seconds to read their message before hitting the send button.

It's really not worth your time in life to engage someone on the Internet in an argument. You know exactly who you are, so do your friends and family. Why waste valuable time in your day, messaging some dope who doesn't even know you!

Or you can kill him with kindness, like I did to the guy who emailed me every morning, with only two words, "Stupid Nigger." Then one day I emailed him back two words, "Thank You." And it stopped. I never heard from the guy again.

We all post in here because we're passionate about the same cause. Unfortunately insults sometimes sidetrack certain threads. It's up to each poster to police his own words. If not, it's up to the next man, to do the next best thing.

Now don't all tear into me, because I'm not responding back!

Bwana:

I would say, "If I am so stupid, how come I have more hunting under my belt than you do?"

quote:

Originally posted by Bwana Moja:

Now don't all tear into me, because I'm not responding back!

Actually, you have my highest respect for continuing to post here.

Especially in light of the veritable stream of casual anti-black comments (subtle and not so much)that are posted here on a weekly basis.

I am continually amazed at what some willingly, or just without thinking, will post on a public forum.

Your ability to take the high ground and turn the other cheek is amazing.

Personally , I have seen little in the way of slurs. However, insults and generally hostile debate abounds. It is the single thing that I dislike the most on this site . We should all act like adults a d treat others respectfully no matter how wrong of ignorant we may think they are.

I am going to challenge all of you to a cage match!

BORING! AAZW called me a jerk earlier today so what, I then called him a jerk. If he came to DSC I would probably buy him a drink at the Sat nite party.

Where is Rich?

Bwana Moja:

Well said

Thanx. well said.

quote:

Originally posted by Die Ou Jagter:
BORING! AAZW called me a jerk earlier today so what, I then called him a jerk. If he came to DSC I would probably buy him a drink at the Sat nite party.

DOJ:

I said anyone who didn't tip a waiter for providing normal service was a jerk. If the shoe fits, wear it.

Do I get the drink providing I pay the tip? Sounds like a deal...

quote:

Originally posted by Bwana Moja:
"Stupid Nigger."

Did he spell it correctly?

AAZW, the shoe fits and it doesn't feel tight or cause blisters. Also I stand by my comment if you tip because it is expected you are a jerk.

On this subject, Tue eve wife and I were haveing dinner at the local dinner and I was having ham pot pie all you can eat. Our waitress was talking with some friends at the next table (behind me) my wife called to her 3 times all being ignored ( I wanted a refill) - you guessed it NO TIP!

That is the one thing that I don't like about this forum. Negativity can get taken way too far. Healthy debate is good as one sword sharpens the other....but outright personal attacks and name calling are beyond common decency.

Hey, It's the internet. It's only insulting if you take yourself too seriously.

Marc,

Why is it OK for you to post the "N" word? It's either offensive on it's own merit or it's not?

Steve

quote:

Originally posted by Bwana Moja:
Now don't all tear into me, because I'm not responding back!

Moja - this is meant to be a compliment, so please take it that way! Your posting here is one of the best I have ever read on AR. You come across as insightful, kind and wise....and I do not throw these terms around lightly. Well Done!
I regret to say this does not appear to be coming from the same person I saw in "Fire and Ice". Please continue to show us more of "The Best of Moja" as you have done here in future postings, publications and videos.

I am amazed at the number of posters on AR that feel the need to be confrontational. It serves no purpose and keeps some very knowledgeable folks from participating.

Bwana Moja, your post is right on target

quote:

I am going to challenge all of you to a cage match!

Only if you are smoking 'train wreck'.

A great post and a great lesson to all of us. Thanks Moja.

Some members have said that this is the internet and we should just ignore poor conduct. I agree with that in most cases. However I also believe that we all have a moral responsibility to each other and to the human community to stand up against somethings that are morally just wrong.

The internet has changed the way people learn and the way human cognitive process develops. Our kids learn differntly to how we learned 40 or 50 years ago! My wife took my boys aged 13 and 9 to a local Technology museum & they were amazed at some of the stuff I grew up with after i turned 20! They had never seen or knew about a telephone which had dials that you had to spin!

The point I am trying to make is that some truths need to repeated when called for or they get forgotten.

quote:

Originally posted by Nganga:
Marc,

Why is it OK for you to post the "N" word? It's either offensive on it's own merit or it's not?

Steve

I think the difference Steve is that he's not calling anyone "the "N" word". He's relaying a story in which he was called "the "N" word" and telling us how he responded in a constructive/positive fashion. If you don't see the difference I'm not sure how to help you on that. Perhaps you're playing devil's advocate or fishing?

Brett

quote:

Originally posted by Brett Adam Barringer:
Steve

I think the difference Steve is that he's not calling anyone "the "N" word". He's relaying a story in which he was called "the "N" word" and telling us how he responded in a constructive/positive fashion. If you don't see the difference I'm not sure how to help you on that.

Brett[/QUOTE]

I also wonder why some think they are funny when making fun out of another persons misfortune.

Folks, it is the internet and that is just the way things are. I am not defending it at all. Personally I think some of the "discussions" that take placer On ANY of the internet sites are more harmful to hunter in general than anything the anti-hunting element can come up with.

Are things going to change, honestly no. We have internet anonymity, we are not setting around a campfire, because we know flat out that if we said some of the stuff we say on here, to a persons face, we would get our eye dotted along with possibly ending up having to unbutton our collar to fart.

On the internet, that is not a concern. Also, unfortunately, people are people, but we were not ALL raised the same way, with the same set of values, or by the same set of parents, and sometimes the only way you can get a point across, good or bad, is by calling someone a dumb son-of-a-bitch.

Wished things were not that way, but until everyone accepts the fact that other people have differing attitudes/opinions on any subject brought up and that they are entitled to those attitudes/opinions, nothing is going to change.

Just because you want someone to see things you way do, does not mean it will ever happen, no matter how noble your intentions.

thats real low down to send you an e-mail like that every day,what an Asshole! i guess if brains were TNT he couldn't blow his nose

quote:

Originally posted by TwoZero:

Actually, you have my highest respect for continuing to post here.

Especially in light of the veritable stream of casual anti-black comments (subtle and not so much)that are posted here on a weekly basis.

I am continually amazed at what some willingly, or just without thinking, will post on a public forum.

I agree 100%. My least favourite aspect of this site (the personal attacks over hunting minutia or politics are relatively harmless) is the way the Southern African variety of racism seems to get picked up by Safari regulars from the US, Europe, or elsewhere. I have personally known more than a few people who I never would have imagined to be racist....but they go on a few safaris and lo and behold they are soon referring to "Ka(($rs" in regular conversation. Do some people who go on safari think it makes them as "cool" as their PH (who likely grew up in a much tougher and racially charged environment) to adopt his manner? Do people just feel like they can "be themselves" when surrounded by sympathetic ears? I don't know, but my vibe is that this sad sort of emulation became much more common around here when Obama was elected. If I were an African American hunter and visited this site, I would last about 10 minutes before moving on just to avoid the frustration.

quote:

Originally posted by tendrams:

quote:

Originally posted by TwoZero:

Actually, you have my highest respect for continuing to post here.

Especially in light of the veritable stream of casual anti-black comments (subtle and not so much)that are posted here on a weekly basis.

I am continually amazed at what some willingly, or just without thinking, will post on a public forum.

I agree 100%. My least favourite aspect of this site (the personal attacks over hunting minutia or politics are relatively harmless) is the way the Southern African variety of racism seems to get picked up by Safari regulars from the US, Europe, or elsewhere. I have personally known more than a few people who I never would have imagined to be racist....but they go on a few safaris and lo and behold they are soon referring to "Ka(($rs" in regular conversation. Do some people who go on safari think it makes them as "cool" as their PH (who likely grew up in a much tougher and racially charged environment) to adopt his manner? Do people just feel like they can "be themselves" when surrounded by sympathetic ears? I don't know, but my vibe is that this sad sort of emulation became much more common around here when Obama was elected. If I were an African American hunter and visited this site, I would last about 10 minutes before moving on just to avoid the frustration.

One reason my 2009 safari was such a stunning success was that my PH Fulvio treated everyone respectfully. You could see they worked hard for him and that in turn made the whole safari a success. I remember when we had yet to bag to lion he conferred with the head tracker on his choice to go to the Rafiji River.

I only hunted with one overtly racist PH; he is dead now. I remember watching the French Open in his house after the hunt and his wife exclaiming blacks shouldn't be allowed to play. It took a lot away from that hunt.

I also can't help but wonder if the insinuation that Nixon was a little crooked had more to do with his skin color. We certainly never did hear anyone make a direct challenge. Just innuendo...

But racism is not just prevalent in Africa, it is prevalent here as well. I recall making a statement at lunch during a writer's hunt that we need to be more inclusive in hunting, that we need to reach out to African Americans, etc. That went over like a fart in church.

Well said Marc.

quote:

Originally posted by AnotherAZWriter:
...You could see they worked hard for him and that in turn made the whole safari a success. I remember when we had yet to bag to lion he conferred with the head tracker on his choice to go to the Rafiji River.

Very admirable. Interestingly, I have seen this sort of mutual respect in the field even with very good (and racist) PHs. I do try very hard not to judge racial comments from that part of the world as I was not raised in that environment, I didn't see my friends farms burned, I do not work very hard daily under what must often be very challenging cultural circumstances

quote:

I remember watching the French Open in his house after the hunt and his wife exclaiming blacks shouldn't be allowed to play.

Yannick Noah might have had a thing or two to say about that.

quote:

I also can't help but wonder if the insinuation that Nixon was a little crooked had more to do with his skin color.

My vibe was that there existed a certain amount of resentment over Nixon perhaps getting special treatment from parks on the basis of his race.

quote:

I recall making a statement at lunch during a writer's hunt that we need to be more inclusive in hunting, that we need to reach out to African Americans, etc. That went over like a fart in church.

I could not agree more. If our sport is only for "rich white guys" we are doomed.

Good post Bwana Moja; this site should be all about fun and learning, but sometimes our passion for shooting and hunting can spill over into frustration and insults.

Thanks for the OP, Moja - well said.

Well said Moja. I normally read the posts on AR to relax and let my mind head to the African bush. Would be a lot more peaceful without all the "hand bag" throwing!

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Bwana Moja:
Or you can kill him with kindness, like I did to the guy who emailed me every morning, with only two words, "Stupid Nigger." Then one day I emailed him back two words, "Thank You." And it stopped. I never heard from the guy again. QUOTE]

I sincerely hope that wasn't an AR guy, I'm assuming not? Frankly, I couldn't care less what "race" you are - to me you're just another hunter like the rest of us! I've enjoyed your dvd's, your posts on AR, and some of our private conversations - and I would personally hunt with you anytime!

I'm guilty of being a little over zealous in my defense of Africa's wildlife, the African Lion in particular. Certainly I meant no personal dis-respect, but sometimes we ALL need a little reminder - just like this. I know I do, thanks Marc!!!!

Thanks Aaron and to all you guys for your comments! You're wonderful people.

Unfortunately there will always be 'haters'. How sad we hunters even have them.

Marc, you are a strong man, a scholar and gentleman.

It is a shame all the poor regular hunters didn't help bring many species back from the brink of extinson. I love rich guys ponying up the big fees to help save many species. It is a good thing the world isn't made up of just poor people, well Obama is doing his best to have that happen in this country.

The safari industry would not exist without the rich guys.

I have learned that the keyboard is the cowards best friend.

While people can agree to disagree and have healthy spirited debate, the keyboard unfortunately gives others a forum to bully, accuse, and attack.

Killing them with kindness always works. People that hate just don't know how to react when you don't respond to their level.

Come on people, blaming the keyboard? Really?
We all know people (hermits excluded) who behave just like any of our fellow typists. Like blaming the gun for the stupidity of the human. There are just an enormous amount of scumbags on this planet, period. I would go so far as to say it is close to the preferred design.
Put the blame where it deserves to be, and stop forgiving or making excuses for them. I'm a big fan of "shunning". Forgiveness simply makes you feel better/superior, and does nothing to correct the problem.

quote:

Originally posted by Hutty:
I have learned that the keyboard is the cowards best friend.

While people can agree to disagree and have healthy spirited debate, the keyboard unfortunately gives others a forum to bully, accuse, and attack.

.

quote:

Originally posted by SG Olds:
Come on people, blaming the keyboard? Really?
We all know people (hermits excluded) who behave just like any of our fellow typists. Like blaming the gun for the stupidity of the human. There are just an enormous amount of scumbags on this planet, period. I would go so far as to say it is close to the preferred design.
Put the blame where it deserves to be, and stop forgiving or making excuses for them. I'm a big fan of "shunning". Forgiveness simply makes you feel better/superior, and does nothing to correct the problem.

SG Olds, I don't think Hutty is blaming the keyboard at all! what he is saying, if I read him correctly, is "The skumbag uses the keyboard as a sheald to say things he would never have the courage to say to anyone face to face!" I think he is agreeing with you! Just my take on his coments, but you are welcome to interpret his post ant way you like, I did.
...............................................................................................................

I used to read AR every now and then but then I realized there are about a Dozen or so guys who treat this as their personal domain and they are what I call "INTERNET THUGS". These guys take great delight in calling names and insulting instead carrying on an intelligent discussion. After 1000 posts you ought to be kicked off the Forum and told to get a life.

Mac,

I don't think people are nice as pie to your face and then assholes on the Internet and you can't tell. I agree they may censure themselves talking to a real person, but you got to be seriously handicapped if you talk to someone 5 minutes in person and don't have a real clear understanding as to whether they are wasting our oxygen. The real problem with the Internet and is the same as with free speech, that is just cause you can do a thing doesn't mean you have any business doing it.

The Internet does give us an accurate measure of people so I guess that's the best thing about it, as well as the most depressing thing about it.

If you really want a kick in the nuts remember this... There vote counts the same as yours.

Hope that clarifys my thoughts.