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Comment by TheSkyHasEyes

10 hours ago

> Be kind. Don't be snarky. Converse curiously; don't cross-examine.

https://news.ycombinator.com/newsguidelines.html

I'm torn in situations like these, because OP is clearly furthering societal trends that are objectively harmful by watering down terminology like this.

It is snark, but it is immune-response snark and not petty snark.

One shouldn't crush them for it, as it might be driven by naivety, but soft politeness alone doesn't steer us away from harmful ideas.

Social friction caused by feeling stupid for saying something is an important tool if wielded with responsibility and not just swung for ego.

  • Then explain what the problem is, in clear language. Otherwise the person reading your response is going to take away only the message that you're a bit of an arse, and have no actual point to make.