Free Keene

Comment by Puke

December 21, 2009 @ 6:20 am

I’m really bummed I didn’t have a camera on me to record the crazy bitch screaming at the guy and then us.

The looney cunt called the cops on some guy for saying “mother-fucker” (not to her though). When Josh got involved she came over to our car yelling that we were degenerates for defending free speech.
The best part was when she claimed to be a cop herself. Talk about lax physical standards in Mass!

What kind of psycho cunt thinks that calling an armed tough to commit violence/kidnap someone is morally superior to someone saying words?!
Must be a sad existence for that bitch.
Does she go psychotic every time she’s in public and hears random swear words?

Comment by bil

December 21, 2009 @ 8:39 am

oh,my!!Do you talk that way in public?? Didn’t you know the ‘C’ word is felt to be even more offensive than the ‘F’ word,especially to women?Do you go psycotic everytime you see a cop drive by??
That being said,it DOES look like a major over-reaction on her part,many people,especially younger people,have grown up with fuck being just another word or even a form of punctuation.It doesn’t really offend me,but if I hear someone using it loudly in public and there are others that seem uncomfortable about it,I have asked if they would tone it down.So far every one has,most haven’t even realised they were doing it.I think that was the case here.I was also glad that the video crew stayed around-if you are a witness to an event where there may be a controversy,you really should take the time to see all sides are told.[was the camera a cell phone or regular video?] It was obvious the cop had heard something about the videos around,but was not really sure what it was about.He also didn’t just assume the woman was the one in the right,and listened to all sides,plus the witness,de-fused the situation,and was honestly curious about your project afterwards.They are not all bad,but are also subject to mob mentality-a bunch is more apt to be beligerant.Obviously this woman has control issues,and between your camera and the cop not letting her butt right in,she did not get her way.Happy ending all around,and maybe you have shown the two young guys that things aren’t so bad in Keene!Good work! —bil

Comment by Dave413

December 21, 2009 @ 9:29 am

Don’t peg us all as acting like her, she was probably in Keene cause she isn’t welcome here.

p.s. Can’t talk shit about our cops being fat(which many are), if you got Porky the Pig up there talking to this bitch.

Comment by dalebert

December 21, 2009 @ 9:41 am

It just looked like a scene at first, some people having an argument and I saw the woman getting closer and closer and up in his face, then pointing her finger in his face and he just stood there pumping gas. I was able to make out “Just walk away! You came up to me!” from the guy but I didn’t know what it was about. Then I heard something about calling the cops and she was reading his license plate into her phone. Now I’m REALLY curious and we start asking what law he broke and she comes up to our car explaining that he said the “F-word”.

“You CALLED THE COPS over the F-word???!!! Are you serious?! I hope they don’t have a REAL crimes to deal with while you’re wasting their time!”

And then it was on. When we realized he was going to have to wait around, wasting his time, to explain to the cops that he didn’t steal anything, rape anyone, nothing, so he could go about his business, we decided to stick around as witnesses.

Comment by Observer

December 21, 2009 @ 11:32 am

Come on, Ian. When the cop asks you if you are with some political group, he is just trying to get a better understanding of why you are out filming. He is looking for context and asking about it in a way that is not surprising of the uninitiated to do so. This is a big step on his part and a great opportunity to engage him in a conversation about FreeKeene, The Free State, liberty activism, whatever you want to discuss along those lines. Instead, you give him a dead-end response about being apolitical. Luckily he pressed on and others chimed in but why not respond to a friendly question with a friendly response?

Comment by Josh

December 21, 2009 @ 11:55 am

And these are the adventures that my big mouth and I get into. This lunatic thinking she’s the morality police was too much for me to passively observe. I would LOVE to hear that 911 call. It could be that the officer knew about the FSP and was profiling. I can’t speak for Ian’s response.

Comment by Ian

December 21, 2009 @ 11:56 am

I am fairly apolitical. I think my response was fine considering the threatening demeanor he initially took towards me. Things worked out fine in the end.

Comment by Keith

December 21, 2009 @ 12:43 pm

What a shame. That woman was very, very rude. She tried to get a person thrown in jail for doing nothing wrong. Then, she repeatedly calls people that aren’t doing a thing wrong (and are in fact helping the situation) a nut. Of course, the title Masshole is common for a reason. There are a lot of rude people in MA.

Thank goodness some of us live in NH where people tend to be more civilized.

Comment by Michael Hampton

December 21, 2009 @ 12:54 pm

Clearly we need to build a border fence to keep the Massholes out.

Comment by Dr. Q

December 21, 2009 @ 12:59 pm

What an insufferable, uncivilized cunt. ‘Nuff said.

Comment by Chris K.

December 21, 2009 @ 1:13 pm

The proper response when she said word one was “shut the fuck up you loopy cunt!”

and when the cops come don’t say a word to them. Because you aren’t obligated to.

Comment by Josh

December 21, 2009 @ 1:14 pm

I wish you could have seen the reaction when she claimed to be a Mass cop. With those long, phony nails? Please…
Then again, true fascist states just turn everybody into citizen/informant/enforcers anyway.

Comment by AnAmazedReader

December 21, 2009 @ 2:29 pm

Behold the misogyny of FreeKeene “Peace Activists”:

“I’m really bummed I didn’t have a camera on me to record the crazy bitch screaming at the guy and then us.”

“The looney cunt called the cops on some guy for saying “mother-fucker” (not to her though).”

“What kind of psycho cunt thinks that calling an armed tough to commit violence/kidnap someone is morally superior to someone saying words?!
Must be a sad existence for that bitch.”

“Can’t talk shit about our cops being fat(which many are), if you got Porky the Pig up there talking to this bitch.”

“What an insufferable, uncivilized cunt.”

“The proper response when she said word one was “shut the fuck up you loopy cunt!””

I’ll add one of my own:

“Bitter FreeKeene Loser, Party of One? Your table is ready.”

Comment by Keith

December 21, 2009 @ 3:27 pm

I must agree with AnAmazedReader.

While I don’t know most of the people that commented on this, I wonder if some of them are trolls. Because those comments were almost as shocking as that lady’s actions. I think the Keene Sentinel would delete such comments.

I did reference Masshole, but I’m completely ok with using that word in just about any situation. Maybe I’m just far more conservative than the average person in Keene or something. I am usually uncomfortable with using the word cunt, especially to publicly describe a female. Maybe if she tried to throw me in a cold cage and steal hundreds of dollars from me for no reason. Though, this woman did not aggress against me so that isn’t the case.

Comment by KDus

December 21, 2009 @ 5:54 pm

He may have been acting like a peace officer and a nice guy, but he’s still a danger to your freedom.
Been there. A friendly conversation can instantly turn into a custodial investigation.
Don’t be suprised when the snake bites you.

Comment by bil

December 21, 2009 @ 7:04 pm

And you could get run over by a bus-both things have been known to happen.But I still do not assume all busses are inherantly killers.Yes,if you think there is some chance you may be charged with some sort of crime,then there IS no such thing as a friendly chat with a police officer.Also been there,done that.
All in all,the situation was handled correctly by all involved,excepting the ‘lady’.
As for the vituperation here,it seems that AnAmazedReader and Keith both feel as I do-the level of offensive language and hatred spewing forth here is,I hope,not an indication of what either FreeKeene or the FreeState movement is about.Less laws restricting personal freedom is one thing,but a retreat from civilised behavior is another.
If this new way of thinking becomes the norn,I will fight it as much as I am fighting the present regime.Go forward,not backwards. —bil

Comment by Curt Springer

December 21, 2009 @ 8:56 pm

Hey that’s Windham, I-93 Exit 3 Route 111, right?

I used to commute by there.

I’m glad none of you pointed out that she is a boomer.

Comment by Paul

December 21, 2009 @ 9:04 pm

I of course oppose the actions of this woman, but echo the calls for more appropriate language and behavior here.

We must demonstrate unimpeachable character in all things, which has the added benefit of making the immorality of the actions we oppose all the more obvious by comparison.

Comment by Josh

December 22, 2009 @ 12:45 am

To Anamazed:

Having actually been there as a witness, the woman was a menace and probably pulls this kind of crap all the time. I asked her why she thinks it is appropriate to summon the police for swearing and she immediately started calling me a degenerate.

It’s only misogyny if the comments are indiscriminately aimed at ALL women, reflecting a spiteful view of the entire gender and their perceived “roles.” Those comments were referring to this particular specimen. I think it’s hilarious how loosely “cunt” it used in British slang. There are only words people. Last time I checked, sticks and stones are still more deadly.

Comment by Dr. Q

December 22, 2009 @ 12:47 am

Calling a woman who lashes out against innocent people a “cunt” is misogynistic now? Then I guess calling a guy a “dick” makes you a “man-hater,” right? Puh-leeeeze.

Comment by Atlas

December 22, 2009 @ 1:03 am

That is what I call a decent police officer, also great job to the Keene folk that got it on tape. This officer has given me a renewed fondness for the Keene area and its portrayal of soundness of authority. Sorry, I’m a minarchist.

Comment by Dr. Q

December 22, 2009 @ 1:10 am

@Atlas: If the guy is a “decent cop,” why did he try to intimidate Ian into not filming?

Comment by Puke

December 22, 2009 @ 6:34 am

Everyone whining about colorful metaphors:

“Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.”

Some children are smarter than most adults. I’ll use whatever the fuck language I want. But I won’t being calling the gov’t enforcers b/c someone says something i find “offensive”.

Fuck
Ass
Nigger
Whitey
Cunt
Faggot
Dick
Shit
Happy Holidays

Is anyone’s life ruined yet? NO!
People need to grow the fuck up and get some thicker skin.
These are just words!

Comment by Puke

December 22, 2009 @ 6:39 am

Oh, as for the misogynist claim.
If it had been a piece of shit man I would have used the appropriate foul language for him too.

Such as asshole, dick-head, prick, shit-for-brains, pencil-dick, or ball-licker.

Comment by ihavehadenough

December 22, 2009 @ 7:51 am

I couldnt help but notice some kind of gesture that the woman makes in the background around the 2:56 mark. Anybody see what she did?

Comment by bil

December 22, 2009 @ 9:59 am

Boy,I can’t wait for the new utopia that is coming,where the people respect each other,and all pull together for the common good.Where there is no need for rules or laws,because everyone respects each others rights and feelings.I sure will miss some of you ,though.
Buy a dictionary,you need to be able to express yourself in a manner that others will want to listen to.Improve your vocabulary and see how much further your message goes.Lenny Bruce is dead!
—bil

Comment by Sam A. Robrin

December 22, 2009 @ 10:26 am

Of course, if you had expressed yourselves using only Miss Manners – approved terms, ‘Mazie would have been right there carping that everyone was being “patronizing” and “over-solicitous,” and complaining that that demonstrates the uselessness of all people who stand up for freedom. . . .

Comment by Paul

December 22, 2009 @ 12:20 pm

They’re words that offend people, Puke. Why would you want to do that? No one is advocating calling the police, but having a peaceful society is going to require that we act in ways likely to maintain that peace, and that we be considerate of others.

Illegal and immoral are two different things. Should yelling the n-word at a black person be illegal? No. Is it immoral, and damaging? Extremely so.

The NAP is a component of morality, not the whole thing. Not that this is you, but a person can obey the NAP, and be a horrible nasty prick, and destructive to themselves, those around them, and the causes they believe in.

We must choose to cause peace, even in the way we select among non-violent actions.

Comment by theKINGofKEENE

December 22, 2009 @ 2:36 pm

…re-watch the video…the cop signaled defeat by putting his hands in his jacket pockets, before he capitulated verbally….now, what’s @2:56???…hmmm, looks like an innocent hair-smoothing type action on her part…I think you read too much into it, IHAVEHADENOUGH…&, did you notice *her* calling *them* “buffoons”???…whatever…///…I support the imminent military coup.

Comment by Josh

December 22, 2009 @ 3:16 pm

Clarification: this incident occurred in Windham, not Keene.

Comment by Dr. Q

December 22, 2009 @ 3:44 pm

Paul wrote:

They’re words that offend people, Puke. Why would you want to do that?

I can’t help but notice a double standard here. Why is it the job of people who use “offensive” langauge to change their speech patterns? Why isn’t it the job of people who are offended by these words to grow up and stop being offended by them?

I agree that we should be careful to avoid creating needless conflict, but it’s pretty evident that this woman is unwilling to engage in reasonable discussions with other people. I don’t think anyone’s doing any harm by calling her names.

Comment by Puke

December 22, 2009 @ 3:48 pm

“They’re words that offend people, Puke. Why would you want to do that? No one is advocating calling the police, but having a peaceful society is going to require that we act in ways likely to maintain that peace, and that we be considerate of others.”

I didn’t say any of the words that the woman would find “offensive” during the confrontation.
I could find your face offensive. Does that mean you shouldn’t show it in public?

Offensive things are subjective. I don’t run around in public screaming words that some people would find offensive. But I do use them, b/c I’m an adult and that’s how I talk. THink what you want about it, I don’t care.

Comment by Paul

December 22, 2009 @ 3:51 pm

In any society, there will always be behavior and words that are considered offensive. These are means of communication, and when one chooses words or actions that communicate hatred, or a belief that a person is worthless, it is natural that people will react negatively.

Comment by Dr. Q

December 22, 2009 @ 3:54 pm

Paul wrote:

… a belief that a person is worthless…

That’s exactly the belief I was trying to convey. Some people really aren’t worth your time. This woman appears to be one of them. But so what?

Comment by Paul

December 22, 2009 @ 3:55 pm

Of course it’s subjective. Words are always subjective. The “n” word, in another society, might be the word for bread. But here, it’s a racial slur, and so when you use it, you are communicating something specific to those who hear.

I think we should be careful of what we communicate on this site, as well as in public.

Comment by Paul

December 22, 2009 @ 3:59 pm

I don’t think the woman is worthless simply because she behaved in this immoral manner. She may come around, and even if she does not, people have inherent worth.

Comment by Sam A. Robrin

December 22, 2009 @ 4:01 pm

Comment by Dr. Q
December 22, 2009 @ 3:44 pm
“I can’t help but notice a double standard here. Why is it the job of people who use ‘offensive’ langauge to change their speech patterns? Why isn’t it the job of people who are offended by these words to grow up and stop being offended by them?”

As is so frequently the case, St. Lenny said it first, and best:

“Are There Any Niggers Here Tonight?”

“Oh, my God, did you hear what he said? ‘Are there any niggers here tonight?’ Is that rank! Is that cruel! Is that a cheap way to get laughs!
“Well, I think I see a nigger at the bar talking to two guinea owners and next to them … [The routine goes on for several minutes, with him dropping the word numerous times, getting right in the faces of people in the crowd to say it.]
“Now why have I done this? Is it only for shock value? Well, if all the niggers started calling each other nigger, not only among themselves — which they do anyway — but among others; if President Kennedy got on television and said,’I'm considering appointing two or three of the top niggers in the country to my cabinet’; if it was nothing but nigger, nigger, nigger — in six months, nigger wouldn’t mean any more than Good night, God bless you . . . When that beautiful day comes, you’ll never see another nigger kid come home from school crying because some motherfucker called him a nigger.”
—Lenny Bruce

Comment by Dr. Q

December 22, 2009 @ 4:02 pm

It’s more than that, Paul. Not only did she behave immorally, she showed an unwillingness to even engage in a rational discussion with other people. Josh, who was present during the event, claimed that she called him a “degenerate” when he asked why she thought it was necessary to call the police. You can’t reason with people who aren’t even willing to listen, so why bother?

Comment by Paul

December 22, 2009 @ 4:08 pm

I guess I was lumping all of that behavior under the “immoral” label. Obviously her behavior was inexcusable. Perhaps it was also impossible to reason with her, at least at that time.

Still, I think we must be careful of what we communicate to others. How we react to evil behavior says something about us, not just the evildoer, and I think we must rise above it.

Comment by Paul

December 22, 2009 @ 4:11 pm

If we can react, on this site, to people who behave that way, with love, and disappointment, rather than hatred, I think it is likely that that will communicate something very positive to those who visit.

Comment by Dr. Q

December 22, 2009 @ 4:19 pm

Sorry, but I care about myself a little too much to spend my time fawning over a nutcase who think it’s appropriate to call up the local thugs because someone said a word she doesn’t like. I’m not really even sure I understand what you mean by reacting “with love” to this event.

Comment by Paul

December 22, 2009 @ 4:40 pm

Certainly not fawning! I just mean that we communicate that we value this individual, but strongly object to her behavior, and hope that she comes to find a more peaceful way of interacting with her neighbors.

I guess, to put it one way, it’s the difference between viewing her behavior and attitude as the enemy, and viewing her person as the enemy.

To “Love” people, in the sense I mean, just means caring about their well being.

Comment by Keith

December 22, 2009 @ 4:54 pm

These are good words.

“If we can react, on this site, to people who behave that way, with love, and disappointment, rather than hatred, I think it is likely that that will communicate something very positive to those who visit.”

Comment by bil

December 22, 2009 @ 5:29 pm

This site represents the thoughts and sentiments of the people on it.I feel we should try to get our point across without intentionally using words or phrases that we know are offensive.There are others that read this site,maybe potential members or just folks that want to know what it is all about.Do you want them to think it is a bunch of spoiled,inconsiderate,self-centered jerks that just want an outlet for their offensive vocabulary,or do we want them to think that there is some actual thinking going on? Do we want this to be a group that people would be proud of joining,or a place to be embarrased to be seen in? Do you want the movement to be taken seriously by others,or do we want to portray ourselves as just a bunch of repressed misfits,spouting out anything that will offend basic courtesy? The fact the woman also used offensive language is irrelevant.She showed where she is coming from.The same with her reaction to hearing words she was offended by.She obviously has a problem that goes beyond this incident,this was handled without escalation.
And you are shouting these words in public,this is open to all.As for finding someones face offensive,language and actions are controllable.Physical features are who you are.
If we can’t even have a civil discourse in here,what chance of one is there in the real world?? —bil

Comment by Dr. Q

December 22, 2009 @ 5:44 pm

Paul wrote:

I just mean that we communicate that we value this individual, but strongly object to her behavior, and hope that she comes to find a more peaceful way of interacting with her neighbors.

But I don’t value her. Like I said, I think she’s a cunt. Would you prefer if I lied?

Comment by theKINGofKEENE

December 22, 2009 @ 5:46 pm

YO!…bil!…”ALL of the above”…this site attracts all kinds of people. sometimes we swear, sometimes we don’t. so fucking what. Lenny Bruce was correct. We have so many swear words, because, WE DON’T USE THEM ENOUGH!so, fuck you.*grin*

Comment by Paul

December 22, 2009 @ 6:30 pm

If that’s the way you feel, I prefer that you not express it in a manner and place that is likely to be detrimental to our common goals.

I’d also hope that you’d reconsider whether you think personal hatred is the best response to those who you feel have acted wrongly.

Comment by Dr. Q

December 22, 2009 @ 7:03 pm

You have the wrong mentality. Why shouldn’t people have negative feelings towards those who violently lash out against others without reason? Being liked is not something you’re entitled to, it’s something you have to earn.

Comment by JamesButabi

December 22, 2009 @ 7:10 pm

Wonderful. Ian im glad you didn’t back down. I guaruntee you that police officer will think about that situation over and over as he is not used to people exercising their rights.

I also endorse freedom activists embracing common ethics, as we all know it makes sympathy and compassion to the message less alienated. I certainly wouldn’t force you too though!

Comment by bil

December 22, 2009 @ 8:31 pm

Right back at you,KINGOFKEENE! {Smiley} I am not so much personally offended by any swearing,but believe it has its place.Hit your thumb with a hammer-F word.Guy driving in my lane[opposite direction],-much worse.I want my swear words to mean something,or what is the sense of having any.Throw them around like confetti and they become useless.Just saying them because you can doesn’t make much sense,it just conveys the impression that you can’t express yourself otherwise.However,to each his [or her] own,heaven forbid I would impose any of my standards of civilised behavior on others. —bil

Comment by Paul

December 22, 2009 @ 9:58 pm

Q, I’m not saying you have to like her, nor that her behavior should be excused. I’m saying that we should make it clear that our enemy is the behavior, rather than reacting with personal hatred toward the individual.

Again, words and attitudes should serve a purpose. What is the purpose of calling this woman a c***? Does it make the liberty message more appealing to visitors? No. If the woman saw it, would it likely cause her to reconsider her behavior? No. Does it improve our attitudes as activists? No.

Reacting in a more positive way more effectively accomplishes all three goals.

Comment by Keith

December 23, 2009 @ 12:21 am

Dr. Q, it isn\’t just you and this lady. It is fine if you don\’t want to reach her. However, there are 6 billion other people on earth. They are the ones that may be looking at this site, they are the ones that may be judging. Think about them.

I’ve seen you interact with people in person and you were always nice and friendly. It seems to come natural to you. It does seem to be a lie.

Comment by Dr. Q

December 23, 2009 @ 2:42 am

And I’m sure your “Masshole” comment is going to win over a lot of the 6 and a half million from my home state, Keith. Massachusetts doesn’t have a monopoly on rude behavior.

But seriously, I doubt many people are going to be upset about my choice of words. Even the most ardent statists are going to find it damn near impossible to justify this woman’s actions to themselves. And some of them will probably have some pretty derogatory things to say about her too.

Comment by PaulO

December 23, 2009 @ 5:16 am

The main point of language is communication. When we use words, people interpret them, and ideas/thoughts/feelings/messages are communicated. Obviously perfect communication is impossible. Sometimes what we are expressing is not understood in the same way we intended. This is especially true of “offensive” words. Personally, I don’t think using these words is immoral, but words like ‘cunt’ are interpreted so differently by different people I generally try to avoid using them. Some people really go nuts over them. What’s the point of using “offensive” words in places where you know you’re going to be misunderstood? Why not communicate what you’re trying to say in a way that helps you be understood?

- Paul Ott

Comment by smeg

December 24, 2009 @ 1:26 am

regarding the whole ‘language debate’ going on here:

while i personally don’t swear a whole lot, it’s only because i have not included them in my normal vocabulary. but they are just words. the ones we use are the most appropriate, cause they convey how we feel. if someone cusses a lot, then changes their normal way of speaking so as to not offend others, they are no longer properly expressing themselves… instead they are using words they don’t feel to describe something they do feel, but can’t say cause the spoken word is taboo. thats just stupid.

plus, there are some words in the US that mean something else in other parts of the world. for instance: fags (aka cigarettes), fanny (aka vagina), burke (aka dumbass – i’m not joking about that one, it’s popular in england).

they are just words. and if they do offend, would you rather have someone spouting off the ‘n’ word in a hateful way every five seconds after meeting them, or would you rather become their friend, then two years later find out they belong to the kkk when you’re invited to a rally? if people are hateful, i want to know up front.

Comment by Adam

December 24, 2009 @ 2:32 pm

What about someone with Tourette Syndrome? I have a minor affliction of this, mostly muscular, but letting out a string of foul epithets is a huge stress-buster for me (the stress comes from T.S.), although it’s not spontaneous in my case. I would love to hear what the crazy lady would say about that.

And claiming to be a cop when you’re not actually IS a crime, you folks could have had her hauled off for a night in jail and probably one HEAVY fine. It was quite nice of you not to do that, a real libertarian thing to do, to let a non-violent criminal like her walk away.

I think the way she talked to you was a much more severe transgression of social norms than an M-F bomb.

Comment by Adam

December 24, 2009 @ 2:49 pm

He alarms me by continuing to insist he is just serious. “You guys with any uh, political group?”
Remember that cops are C grade students, and when you think they’re lying, you’re often right if they look like they think they’re doing a good job of it (by the time you suspect they are bullshitting, you are right.)

Comment by Glenn

December 26, 2009 @ 8:47 pm

It is exactly this type of middle aged feminist that is ripping this country to shreds.

Comment by Kat

December 27, 2009 @ 10:56 am

It’s really saddens me when I see these kinds of words used in anti-State circles. Cunt, bitch, shrew, dyke, hysteric, the list goes on. These are words created by a (male-dominated) State specifically to denigrate women. If you mean the woman in the video is behaving like a controlling, busy-body jackass, why not say that? Why call her a cunt or a bitch? Why use the weapons of the monster you’re trying to slay? Heaven forbid I ask you to be thoughtful with your words! Again, that’s something the State never does, except temporarily when trying to pander for votes.

To defend themselves from accusation of misogyny (or racism, as that sometimes is the case), I often see libertarians/anti-State activists use the “sticks and stones” or “you’re just being oversensitive/hysterical/reactionary” argument. See, that’s exactly why there aren’t more women and people of color within these movements. Be open to dialog. The State certainly isn’t.

Comment by Ian

December 27, 2009 @ 11:22 am

If just been watching all this bickering, but Kat, I’m curious. Would you be so upset if I called a busybody man a “dickwad”? That’s not a word I’d ever use for a woman.

Would you be offended if I called the woman a harridan?

Comment by Kat

December 27, 2009 @ 2:02 pm

Ian,

In my own life, I try not to use gendered or racial insults (ie, “I’d never call a man/woman/white person/Hispanic person/etc this”), if I find the absolute need to insult some one directly. But for the sake of humoring the argument, how do you feel when you hear the word ‘dickwad’? Is there sort of a deep feeling you can’t describe, like a pang? Do you say ‘ouch’ and cringe internally? Do you think back at times when that word was used against you, spat at you while you walked down the street minding your own business, and followed up with laughter as you tried to brush it off? When some one you want to associate with uses it in such a cavalier manner to describe behavior s/he doesn’t like, do you feel frustrated, like you’re getting nowhere on the road together? Like you mean less because you’re one of those things?

Or is it more funny? Words like ‘dickwad’ lack the history and expansive, negative use of bitch and cunt.

Harridan is another example of a insulting word created just for women. The list I created was hardly exhaustive. As I said, I don’t like using gendered or racial insults.

Comment by Ian

December 27, 2009 @ 2:14 pm

While I certainly do my best to avoid attacks on a person, I think if I did something dickish, I’d certainly deserve to be called a dickwad. It’s just a word and should be used appropriately. Seems to me you are downplaying the seriousness of the word dickwad and claiming that the words you don’t like (having to do with women) are somehow worse. Dickwad is a word that meets your criteria. It’s an insulting word created for men.

Dictionary.com’s definition:
Dickwad- a stupid and ineffective male.

So, if dickwad isn’t insulting enough for you, because of it’s “history and expansive, negative use”, could you supply an insulting word for a man that does? How about cocksucker? Also, how well are you aware of the history of these words? Perhaps you aren’t as attuned to them since you are not a male?

Harridan perfectly describes this woman. Had she not been a “scolding, vicious woman”, she’d not rightly be described as a harridan.

Comment by Paul

December 27, 2009 @ 6:46 pm

Once again, insult tossing, or reacting with hatred, accomplishes nothing good. We need to consider what we are trying to accomplish with our words and behaviors.

Comment by Joshua Freedom

December 27, 2009 @ 9:46 pm

Ian, that was a great video! From 40 seconds until about 1:30 into the video is a perfect example of how to record an officer. Perfect wording, perfect tone of voice. Very good!

Comment by Kat

December 27, 2009 @ 10:33 pm

Paul, exactly.

Ian, did you skip past the part where I said I was against the use of gendered insults? I (still) think it’s wrong to insult a person based on *what s/he is* rather than based on *something s/he has done.* If I were going to describe a man I thought were ineffective and stupid, I would call him, *gasp*, ineffective and stupid! Or perhaps a government worker, but that’s getting a little technical. Harridan, harpy, whore, bitch, slut, etc still fall under that category as well. The woman in the video acted like an obnoxious jackass. Calling her a ‘harridan’ attacks her not on the basis of what she did, but what her chromosomes say.

Ok, fine, ‘dickwad’ is a mean word for men. So how about some examples of the use of the word ‘dickwad,’ by women and some men, to harass and intimidate men for the purpose of keeping them within defined circles and out of participation in the social sphere? You may have trouble finding those examples. They don’t exist. So, are you really, seriously trying to draw an equivalence between ‘dickwad’ and ‘cunt’? I think you need to think about this a little harder.

You would use ‘cocksucker’ to denigrate a man? Think about what that means for you. I know you’re an adult man, but I’m going to assume you’re straight and you’ve been intimate with women. Do you find the act itself disgusting? Do you look down on anyone who does it? How do you feel about the women you’ve been with? I would call your use of that term more misogyny and homophobia than insulting toward men; the insult against masculinity in that word is to imply that the man is either a woman or gay. Once again, you really need to go back and consider what you’re saying.

Now, let’s get back to the crux of the argument. You’re trying to convince me, and I suppose some others to an extent, that the use of words like ‘bitch’ and ‘cunt’ (and ‘dickwad’, ‘cocksucker’ and any other stupid ad hominem a grade-schooler would say) constitute acceptable discourse for people who want to live free of coercion, intimidation and action under duress to describe other people, specifically women, with whom they disagree.

That’s rich.

Comment by Thoreau

December 27, 2009 @ 11:04 pm

“When the cop asks you if you are with some political group, he is just trying to get a better understanding of why you are out filming. He is looking for context and asking about it in a way that is not surprising of the uninitiated to do so.”

Fail. The piggy is asking if you are with a group so he can find grounds to claim you aren’t “legitimate” press, and again take away the camera. Don’t fall for his trap.

Why not respond to a friendly question with a friendly answer? Piggies are evil, they are not friendly. Everything they do is designed around getting more money out of you. They represent violence and hate. The piggies are not your friends. Don’t talk to them more than you absolutely have to. Nothing you say to them makes things better for you.

“Time for Norbert’s flying lesson.”

Regarding non-violence. It is criminal to teach a man not to defend himself when he is the constant victim of brutal attacks.

Comment by Roy

January 12, 2010 @ 3:38 pm

This whole thing is silly. I’m only 3 1/2 minutes into the video. The guy should have just left after paying for his gas. Does he really think the cops are going to hunt him down for saying the F word?

If you’re worried about the woman embellishing the story, saying that he pulled a knife on her or something (which may happen since she’s obviously unhinged) then give him your phone number to call you as a witness in case of any problems.

Comment by Lpviper

January 12, 2010 @ 9:19 pm

I love the language wars.

Hey Kat, can I call people ‘retards’ and ‘douchebags’? Those are my two favorites.

Thanks

Andy

Comment by Josh

January 13, 2010 @ 12:17 pm

@ Roy:

She did call in his license plate, so it is not unreasonable to assume the police would have harassed him at a later date.

Comment by theKINGodfKEENE

January 13, 2010 @ 11:38 pm

I self-identify as both a native NH nigger, & a retard. That’s my right. My birthright. This is pretty good stuff! Lots of good back-and-forth. Now, has anybody out there seriously changed their usual choice of swear-words???…Me neither…Feel free to call me a retard, LPVIPER, but call me a douchebag, & i’ll rip yur lungs out, Jim, woo-oo, werewolves of London again…Anyway, sorry I missed your reply last 12/22, Paul, it posted after I logged off…I have not ever, as in *NEVER*, felt any *HATRED* towards anybody I was writing, or talking about. Why do you hear it as “hatred”, Paul???…this isn’t the first time somebody on here has casually tossed out that “hatred” bullshit…And all you *STATISTS* going on about word choices!!!…Nigger & cunt are the same word. Just different people choose to be “hurt” by the word…It’s just a word…(Hmmmmm…..”cuntard”…”cunnigger”…”douchebaggertardigger”???…some people take shit way, way, way too seriously…I like cunts…cunts are nice…cunts are tasty(usually!…), cunts are my friend…how’s *YOUR* de-sensitization reprogramming coming along…is cuniform spoken only with pussy lips???…I’m such a retarded nigger! BTW: *I* think you were wrong, Ian, in the way you handled this cop. All the experience you’ve got, & that was the best you could do???…Try this: “I’m making a video recording, Officer, to preserve and maintain the integrity of the evidentiary chain…” Remember, dazzle’em w/brilliance, baffle ‘em w/bullshit…then baffle ‘em w/brilliance, & dazzle ‘em w/bullshit…KINGod – HAH! -typo!…