What is the mod's/your stance on discussing sexism or similar topic (with its possible symptoms)?

Madjack01·Jun 13, 2019·2 votes·3,402 views

I'm a bit confused. If I interpret the universal rules correctly these discussions fall under the category of 'Inappropriate Discussion Topics' since they can be described as either political (if you define it broadly) or real-world social issues (especially since the topic currently attracts a lot of hot steam).

Yet as far as I'm aware mods rarely address these kinds of topics as long as they are somehow related to lol/riot. Does that mean that I could spark a political discussion as long as I make a connection with ingame factions or characters? Just how much leeway do we get?

I'm curious about this because as far as I have seen these kind of discussions have a tendency to be unconstructive, antagonizing, speculatory and full of obscure interpretional freedom, backbiting and vocal obloquy. In short: quite unhealthy.

On the other hand everybody is so extremely opinionated about these topics that they make for fluent and passionate discussions to a degree where it's difficult not to talk about them. Even if they are mostly self-serving to a point where I doubt that anybody's opinion has ever been influenced during a discussion about 'inappropriate discussion topics'.

What do you think about this?

6 Comments

ModThe DjinnJun 13, 20192 votes

It's honestly not a clear line, and has to be judged on a case-by-case basis. We try to allow the community to discuss things that are deemed important to League community discourse, provided those discussions don't go too far over the lines. Sometimes we are overly quick to act, sometimes overly slow, but that's part and parcel of giving the community occasional leeway on topics that are deemed important enough to merit exceptions here and there.

Madjack01Jun 13, 20191 votes

[{quoted}](name=The Djinn,realm=NA,application-id=6heBIhQc,discussion-id=kn7w5whE,comment-id=0000,timestamp=2019-06-13T23:15:22.407+0000)

It's honestly not a clear line, and has to be judged on a case-by-case basis. We try to allow the community to discuss things that are deemed important to League community discourse, provided those discussions don't go too far over the lines. Sometimes we are overly quick to act, sometimes overly slow, but that's part and parcel of giving the community occasional leeway on topics that are deemed important enough to merit exceptions here and there.

Thanks for the fast reply. So for example if Riot took an obvious political position and expressed that position ingame, political discussion theoretically could become a normal and accepted thing on these boards?

Then how do you feel about the extremely divisive nature of topics like these? Not that being divisive is a problem by itself, but these topics usually are also often accompanied by a huge gray area that there technically will never be an end to the discussion for as long as people are allowed to have preferences.

ModThe DjinnJun 13, 20191 votes

{quoted}So for example if Riot took an obvious political position and expressed that position ingame, political discussion theoretically could become a normal and accepted thing on these boards?

Unlikely. There is a difference between occasionally allowing relevant conversation on normally banned topics (provided that conversation doesn't violate other rules), and allowing all political discussion.

Then how do you feel about the extremely divisive nature of topics like these? Not that being divisive is a problem by itself, but these topics usually are also often accompanied by a huge gray area that there technically will never be an end to the discussion for as long as people are allowed to have preferences.

Not all discussions have to end, and a divisive topic is fine as long as it remains a relatively low-key, respectful divisiveness. When it becomes insults, harassment, etc., that's when we step in. There's no board rule that everyone has to agree, but there is a rule that people need to be civil in their disagreement.

JamareeJun 13, 20191 votes

It’s a deplorable scumbag thing to do or partake in no matter the gender.

Madjack01Jun 13, 20191 votes

{quoted}

It’s a deplorable scumbag thing to do or partake in no matter the gender.

I believe my thread is a bit convoluted. My question is less directed towards your opinion on sexism and more towards your opinion on having a discussion on these boards about things like sexism in the first place, considering the difficult and sensitive nature of topics like these.

JamareeJun 14, 20191 votes

{quoted}

I believe my thread is a bit convoluted. My question is less directed towards your opinion on sexism and more towards your opinion on having a discussion on these boards about things like sexism in the first place, considering the difficult and sensitive nature of topics like these.

Ohhhhh