Hi lemmy! So this is kind of controversial, but hear me out. Let me start off by saying I’ve been on a few reddit alternatives, as I’ve mentioned in different posts, and I’ve seen language that is very hateful. I was disgusted by the language, but after seeing it over and over again, I just got sad. These people only know fear and hatred. I’m not sure anyone’s shown them kindness.
Should we be kind to those that we disagree with or that use hateful speech?
My experience has been that it’s basically futile. Their past and their whole present situation have entrenched this hatred. One kind soul on the internet isn’t going to fix that.
They might even turn you away, because they have fundamental trust issues and basically see it as a form of aggression when someone is inexplicably nice to them.
You also need to be wary of the Paradox of Tolerance, i.e. don’t be too tolerant towards their views.
I am reminded of the famous Nazi Bar twitter thread. When you’re civil to people who espouse hate, they decide to set up shop like roaches and lurk in the dark corners of your cabinets until the mods are asleep.
https://mobile.twitter.com/IamRageSparkle/status/1280891537451343873?s=20
I’m not saying to tolerate their views. Definitely call out their bullshit.