The few conversations I’ve had there have been unproductive and inflammatory. While even in other instances when I’ve said something someone disagreed with they would at least support their statement. Also no one would tell me why the “Confused Unga Bunga” meme is racist but they keep accusing me of it. I’m all for open discussions but even the comments there are so angry and toxic.

Edit: I’m reading every comment and taking everything people said and considering all sides. My stance on the phrase has changed but I am still hesitant about giving hexbear a chance. I’ll sleep on it though.

      • DrPop@lemmy.oneOP
        10·
        1 year ago

        I thought I was in a hexbear thread but I kept getting buzzwords thrown at me. It’s awfully jarring and did not help with me understanding the situation. I know it’s not an excuse but sometimes my autism makes it hard for me to see the proper path through the conversation.

        • RoomAndBored [he/him, any]@hexbear.netEnglish
          16·
          1 year ago

          All g. We probably wouldn’t call them buzzwords, since that implies that they’re ephemeral or faddish.

          More often than not we’re using terminology that is specific to the left, or defined differently in leftist academia and discourse to the common usage (see, liberal, imperialism, etc.).

          If you’re unsure about the meaning of a given word, it’s worth searching online first, then asking further in your replies if it still doesn’t make sense. Citing your sources is invaluable so you and your interlocutor can interrogate the same info and talk from the same page. We have a (relatively inactive) comm for these types of questions too, and a space for neurodiverse members too.

          I don’t have autism so feel wary giving specific advice on how to navigate. However I do find that signalling -why- you are asking a certain question (as you have done elsewhere in this thread), and providing further context, can help people understand your thinking behind a given comment or post, and may help against them assuming the worst and responding with a knee jerk reaction. We get many people trying to cause trouble (‘wreckers’) and some people consider it better to shoot first and ask questions later, since it saves time if the person turns out to be malicious.

          I was fortunate to have lurked for a very long time, way back to r/srs and the r/srs rehab equivalent comm. It’s been a long journey but I’m glad you’re asking the same question I had around then, as it shows self awareness.

          Have a good one.