Would 'discussion not 'debate' help?

[socialworker222]

Re. the ongoing issues with the split parts of Feminism Chat, its been suggested that 'debate be changed to 'discussion'. This would be more welcoming and supportive where posters are seeking advice and support rather than a 'debate', such as the Transwidows support area.which welcomes women shut out of many other routes of support, often in isolated and vulnerable situations. I don't think when I found it I would have taken the risk of posting anywhere titled 'debate'. Or is that just rearranging the deckchairs? I think it would help....

Sorry rubbish keypad. 'Discussion not 'Debate'

Yeah, I like that. Interesting what a difference a slight tweak in words makes to the meaning.

But you know, Mumsnet's board, Mumsnet decides. And a rose by any other name and all that.

I think debate is quite divisive whereas discussion is less about being on one side or the other so yes good proposal.

I don't think we need either word. The name of this whole section is 'Talk' - it's at the top of every page in big letters.

Yes, 'talk' is better than 'discussion' or 'debate'. 'Debate' comes across as something rather public schoolboy and willy-waving where you take sides and have a 'winner' at the end.

What about 'chat'?

I think mnhq really need to take that on board. Saying that,.I don't think they will. I've been noticing more and more on here how bullying is enable and not just on this part of the site. Fully expect to get deleted, strike or kicked off for this, but the negative.vibe they've created I think I'm done.
I originally joined to get advice on cerebral palsy and fwr provided a good distraction from the pain in my life. So thank you to those women who made me feel welcome here.

I think discussion or chat does take a bit of heat out, I’d be in favour.

I agree, "discussion" would be better if it's one or the other, it sounds less confrontational and does describe what happens here - we discuss issues, questions, what to do about things... whereas a lot of the time we are not specifically "debating" them. And "chat" sounds a bit too lightweight and frivolous to me, considering there are often quite serious issues being discussed (prison policy, child transition etc).

Discussion would be an improvement on debate.

Talk is good too.

I agree. Discussion would be a much better title, if the "Sex and Gender" bit must be kept. However, I'd prefer this board to be "Feminism: Sex Based Rights", if the split from "Chat" is to continue.

I don't necessarily mean renaming it 'Sex and Gender Talk', what I meant was, this whole sub-forum is already called 'Talk' - it's what we do here. I can't see any need for the repetition.

Womens rights - 'Feminist Chat' works for me.

Had someone put this request on site stuff. There is a trans widows bashing thread ATM which kind of proves the point.

Discussion is much better. It’s already been suggested to MNHQ many times.

It would be even better if ‘gender’ wasn’t there at all. It’s not an equivalent to sex and it doesn’t deserve to be there. Hugely insulting.

The other solution would be to have a third area.
One chat area (general)
One sex based support, news and activism area which would largely cover what's currently in the sex and gender section.
And one.debate section where the MRA can debate feminists to their hearts content.
The current situation is not good enough.

Oh I doubt a third space would be approved of...

Discussion sounds good and sex based rights is more accurate too.

'Discussion' as a compromise is a decent suggestion.

Anything without the word gender would be better. I think most women posting here don't have a sense of gender. Much like most women all over the world.

It’s pretty clear that MNHQ have done it the way they want and aren’t likely to budge - have already made all these suggestions directly to Justine.