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Original poster

When did this board become a "safe space"?

306 replies

OmiOmy · 10/11/2022 07:25

Long time poster here, name changed.

I've recently seen this board as being described as a "space space"? This has happened a few

Wikipedia says The term safe space refers to places "intended to be free of bias, conflict, criticism, or potentially threatening actions, ideas, or conversations".

Well, going by that, it's hardly a safe space, is it? We have robust discussions here that are rarely seen on other parts of the internet.

I don't know, I feel cross and disheartened to hear the term "safe space" being ascribed to this board as if we're too fragile to cope. Ugh.

Instead I would describe this board as broadly supportive, wouldn't you?

OP posts:
GeriSignfeld · 10/11/2022 08:27

The Genderists say Mumsnet is a haven of wicked Terfery

BernardBlacksMolluscs · 10/11/2022 08:11

I’m here a LOT and haven’t seen anyone talk about FWR being a safe space

not saying it hasn’t happened, just saying it’s probably not an established view, as it’s very possible to be a regular here and not have come across that

and it depends on your definition of safe dunnit?

psychologically safe maybe?

Helleofabore · 10/11/2022 08:04

I find the term ‘safe space’ to be a real issue. It used to have meaning, like most words did, but is now rendered meaningless through it being overextended to
now mean a place where someone won’t disagree with you.

Who wants to live in a world where people don’t or won’t disagree? Blimey. It would be awful.

However, there is a difference between disagreeing and coming to shame people who think differently. Of course there is.

The nuance really could be that here people can disagree and not be banned for just disagreeing (as opposed to personal attacks, negative generalisations , etc) . In that sense, yes this is safe.

And you don’t generally get death threat tweets or gifs depicting violence here.

ZombieMumEB · 10/11/2022 07:59

It's a 'safe space' for discussion/debate.

Where asking questions and using critical thinking skills won't have you called childish names and where your account won't be instantly banned for stating the truth.

lovelyweathertoday · 10/11/2022 07:33

It's safe in the sense that a plurality of views are tolerated. I've been booted out of Facebook groups for a single post that went against the TWAW orthodoxy.

CanYouFeelMyHeart · 10/11/2022 07:27

When I've seen it used it's been for new posters who want to discuss GC views they're privately beginning to develop, because they can't in real life.

I think this probably is one of the few 'safe' places to do that, although the term generally gives me the absolute ick.