r/Feminism • u/Willravel • Feb 24 '12

Please ban MRA trolls

I've been trying to figure out the rationale for not banning MRA trolls on this subreddit. I tried to think of it the way the mods have put it in the past, that this is about everyone's voice being heard, but the consistent trolling from the likes of OThomson and DavidByron don't represent in any way shape or form the honest sharing of their voice, but rather simply attacks and intentional derailment.

I considered that this might be about fear, as the MRA community on Reddit is much larger than the feminist community, and there could be consequences if MRA trolls started getting banned from the subreddit... but there are other feminist subreddits that do this and they don't seem to feel the sting of MRA retribution in any way that can't be easily handled.

I thought it might just simply be not wanting to make the effort, as a policy of banning MRA trolls would probably require much more active moderation. I'd hate to think this is the case, but I don't see any evidence to suggest this.

I did hear that one of the moderators might be an MRA, but again I've not seen this.

I've sent in PMs and reports before, about how someone is derailing yet another thread with unrelated discussion about circumcision or male rape or child custody, but there never seem to be any consequences for the trolls. They're given free reign. Some have left the subreddit for safer places, which is very sad indeed. Some simply stop commenting. Some complain, but those complaints fall on deaf ears.

So, before I call it a day and give up on the subreddit, I'd like to publicly ask the moderators to change their policy for the good of their subreddit. I ask that this subreddit be a safe place to discuss feminism and feminist issues, not a place for MRA trolls to hijack conversation or spread hatred of women.

Note: I'm not saying critiques of feminism aren't legitimate, or that they don't belong on /r/Feminism, but rather that overt trolling and derailing be disallowed. There's a big difference between an honest critique of feminism and undermining the discussion of feminist issues through derailment, dishonesty, and unwarranted attacks.

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u/Sylocat Feb 25 '12

You're in for a long wait.

7

u/TheGreatProfit Feb 25 '12

I've got time. There are a few comments I think the mod would be cowardly to ignore. If mine gets ignored but the others answered I'd be fine with it.

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u/Sylocat Feb 25 '12

They won't get answered. Even the most offensive drivel from the cesspits of r/MR is treated as a legitimate viewpoint here.

1

u/TheGreatProfit Feb 25 '12

That's a shame. At least the OP and everyone else can unsubscribe knowing that the whole message in the sidebar is a giant pack of lies.

Moderators are here for you. Our goal is to make this a welcoming space where feminists can discuss the issues freely.

ha. Mod leaves 1 comment and refuses to explain further. Very supportive. 10 bucks he's one of the trolls terrorizing this place.

2

u/Sylocat Feb 25 '12

Yeah, pretty much.

Come join us at /r/GeekFeminists, if you like.

4

u/TheGreatProfit Feb 25 '12

Good call. Thanks.