Why comments are important
I'm a white lesbian, and while it's true that I'm often outnumbered in comments sections that insult gays or women, I can typically easily see that the reason was because your article took the opposite tone. If your article targets a group to lob accusations against, I fully expect that group to use the comment section to defend themselves. That's not only human nature, it's only fair. Even in your recent articles which have insulted Ellen and were joined primarily by commenters who agreed, all I can say is that must honestly reflect the sentiment of Americans. That's important to know, and I can still argue with them. I don't need to live in an illusory world, especially at the expense of my own free speech! Few people support Yahoo's notion that the opinions of Yahoo staff are the only opinions that should ever be expressed, and even the few people who think that's what they want now will change their minds the minute you change yours regarding who you support!
When your articles paint a picture of whites who call the police over nothing, but fail to report about the white people who were murdered merely for being white in the very same week, you paint a dangerously racist picture that needs to be corrected, and that's the purpose your comments section has traditionally served. Who will Yahoo target next? Muslims? Gays? Christians? Whoever it is, they will need the comments section to defend themselves, because you have spent years proving that is what your articles do, Yahoo: target groups to defame. I thought that took gall even before you removed their ability to defend themselves.
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Michael Lund commented
AMEN!!!
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Lana Panko commented
Thank you! All voices should have the ability to express themselves.
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Sweet Boy commented
Good evening happy christmers
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Robert E Ober commented
Fantastic post. The true power of freedom of speech, and the importance of fair and honest reporting. Both largely missing in the last year or so.
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Jason Simmers commented
Wow...great post. We are probably on totally opposite sides when it comes to many political debates, though I strongly support gay rights, I can not agree more with your post. The free expression of thought is needed in a society. We have the ability to ignore those we disagree with, but to remove their voice and their ability to express their opinions is wrong in so many ways.
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peter tedder commented
I agree with Irene. We're probably polar opposites where politics are concerned but we're both concerned about our constitutional rights being curbed even by private organizations like Yahoo. The comments section lets everyone contribute and sometimes that's how new ideas find acceptance!
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Dave B commented
Very well spoken and on the mark in every way!
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Stan Musial commented
Spot on Venita. Yahoo has taken the lazy and disrespectful path forward by choosing to not deal with the truly obnoxious and decided instead to punish everybody. Coupled with their obvious bias, I suspect they won't recover from it. Advertisers won't spend money on a site that users don't visit.
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Michael Mayo commented
Many believe that Obama brought Americans closer together, I don't believe this is true in the slightest. Had that been true Hillary would have easily won the election. The Obama administration disenfranchised almost every group and Trump has widened that gap. Americans haven't been this far apart since slavery. I believe in live and let live. I am conservative and take everyone on individual merits. I am sorry the LGBT are still having to fight so hard, and wish you luck in your struggle.
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Howard Murphy commented
Pollyanna, you are attempting to communicate with a focused and highly cynical corporation. This just in: They don't care what you think. Don't like it, then, change your home page and lose the blue lever. This is just the iceberg's tip. This outfit is uber-dangerous for the same reason Videodrome (look it up) was. They have a philosophy, and an ugly one at that.
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Cowboy Twolane commented
While I'm sure I don't agree with you politically, your point is spot-on. Thanks for your comments. Greatly appreciated!
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Venita commented
I was very sentimental with you at the beginning of your post. However, based on your comment history, it appears you do actually agree with the majority of commenters on yahoo. Please maintain integrity and accountability when writing these comments, recognize all perspectives, and understand what it means to say "I am outnumbered." There are few commenters on yahoo opposing your ideals, whom are actually getting drowned out, and therefore, need to be heard too.
Although everyone should have the freedom to say their opinion, at what point do you say no more? We witness people hiding behind false aliases in which, the attacking becomes uncalled for and vile. The audience is the problem and have taken their privileges to an extreme that is very insulting, degrading, and threatening behavior. I think the audience needs to work on being more positive, while hearing people out and maintaining respect. Yahoo does not deserve to be labeled racists, when they have always allowed a platform for every subject or topic to be discussed equally!
That being said, I may not always agree with the commenters, but respect, professionalism and consideration will allow the best environment for a better exchange.