Originally posted by: JustAnEngineer
I used to have some meaningful, non-judgmental fun conversations occasionally on IF. But now it feels like walking on eggshells. You could say something casually, without any preconceived notion. And suddenly people gang up on you. Direct shaming, threats, like it's some political argument: "You are trying to whitewash" (why though?), "Go cry, your fav is worse" (whose fav? Lol).
And god forbid you're slightly off remembering some old detail-they'll blow it into a full-blown saazish episode. Criminal Justice: India, but for forums.
@bold ganging up on someone to mock their opinion happens here, a person can get affected because of it, even if the person isn't abusing or namecalling their favorite character, just giving their opinion in a fun or sarcastic way, or even in a serious way sometimes. Having objection even with that is quite common here. Opinions can change. Where is the rule book that states you have to praise your favorite character's goods or ignore their wrongs, without criticizing them? Or you cannot dislike the character you once liked? Or you cannot support sideys or cameos? Or you cannot make fun of characters with the people who dislike or previously abused your favorite character? Isn't it personal choice? In a season you like same characters but in next one you can like different characters right? Who is more important? People whom you call haters or your favorite character that will end someday or your favorite actor who doesn't even know about you? Can't we be considerate towards each other? For me, if I hurt real people for fictional characters, I'm doing it wrong. Then we say, it's all writers' fault, yes it is but character, shouldn't be criticized? What if a character instead of getting redeemed is glorified repeatedly? For you he might be redeemed but for me he is glorified. Isn't that just a difference of opinion that can be ignored?
There was an actor in rishta, I don't have any personal liking for actor or the character. What if an actor was abused and namecalled by "fans" not "haters" for an opinion, they created ruckus on SM, even though he didn't say anything bad/wrong, people celebrated his exit saying "yeh hota hai humarey favorite sey panga lo toh" something like that. For me fans (who are not termed haters) made that situation and many others worst. Why the director who abused mothers and sisters of so called haters in retaliation being hailed? (my personal opinion).
Calling out abuse and namecalling or hatred for a fictional character is fine, I myself called out (during initial months) but then I stopped thinking that it won't end so better stay in your lane. But categorizing every single opinion under same category of hatred for a fictional character, isn't it unfair? Preaching without practicing is also common here, I also end up doing so. Won't talk about anybody else but myself, If I want to invest my time and energy for a character I dislike, it's my choice. I won't say freedom of speech everytime as this is a public forum so, if my speech and post is problematic, report the post. Regarding abusing and namecalling posts, or posts you find repulsive, you can either ignore though there are few you can't ignore, there is a block option. Feel free to block. If you want to report a post, then report it three times. If you want that post gone, ask your friends to report it too, thrice.
A/N: Long paragraphs but I have to vent it out. Ignore 
Edited by ShadowImbue - 14 hours ago