Do you take extra care in responding to discussions in mylot?

Philippines
February 22, 2010 8:33pm CST
Diversity and Cultural Differences in MyLot MyLot is a diverse community. It does not discriminate anybody. As members, we have to accept that we all have cultural differences. I recently posted a discussion about working on some other things aside from MyLotting and I just received a response, which for me was offensive. That response judged me. The person obviously doesn't know a single thing about me and yet he/she made a remark which made me feel as if I was being criticized by a blind eye. But I later on came to think of it. We grew in different cultures. What's disrespectful for us may not necessarily be disrespectful to others. What's offensive for us may not be offensive to others. My question is this -- Do you take extra care in responding to discussions in mylot? Do you make sure that you pick the right words in responding to sensitive topics/personal topics so as not to offend the person who raised the discussion?
6 people like this
18 responses
@mysdianait (66009)
• Italy
23 Feb 10
I am very aware that we all have different realities here and that is what also makes myLot so interesting. When I respond I take into account whether I am responding to a user who has English as their first language or not, fully aware that some may not understand some English slang. Basically I never judge or criticise at all, no matter where someone is from but I am aware of certain simple things when responding, no matter where they are from. One simple example always comes too mind - 'much' and 'a lot of money' means different things to users even in the same country as me. One of the very first discussions I started made me very aware of cultural differences. I spoke of my obsession to turn any tins of beans or peas that I saw upside-down in stores the right way up. A user pointed out that where she lived they would buy them in any state be it upside down - or rusty
2 people like this
• Philippines
23 Feb 10
I'm sorry to hear about that first discussion of yours. To think you were only discussing your "obsession" Well, there's a lot to consider when responding to a discussion. Aside from the cultural differences, we also need to consider the "tone". Thank you so much for the response.
2 people like this
@mysdianait (66009)
• Italy
23 Feb 10
That's made my day Lamb! I am so pleased to know that the good thoughts are taking the place of the sadness! Tone is very important and when I am typing something long, then I try also to get the punctuation right so that the emphasis is not misunderstood. A spelling mistake can change the whole outcome of a response too
2 people like this
• Philippines
23 Feb 10
Oh not. It did not Lamb... =) thanks for the response.
2 people like this
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
23 Feb 10
melloncollie hi you know what, I think we should all start practicing the golden rule,do unto others as you would have them do unto you. It would smooth some of the differences and make us more sensitive to others cultures too. I do try to take extra care, and make sure I am not offending the other person.
2 people like this
• Philippines
23 Feb 10
Yes and it all starts with ourselves. =)
1 person likes this
@mensab (4200)
• Philippines
23 Feb 10
yes, mylot is a community characterized by cultural diversity. but this community is virtual and loose. although i keep in mind the cultural differences and sensitivities, there are still instances that i think i have not observed well the ethics and culture of others. nonetheless, i am happy to have this discussion. thanks a lot.
@May2k8 (18391)
• Indonesia
23 Feb 10
I really care about the criticism and suggestions that were written to me as the best thing for both of us. I make sure that the words that I write not to offend other people. I was even glad we have different cultures, because it could be studied further more.
• Philippines
23 Feb 10
I think it is essential to always be careful with the choice of words and topics we post here in MyLot. It cannot be denied that this place has become a global community where people from different cultures and walks of life take part in and because of this it is important to be discreet and be wary of ones choice of words and topics as to avoid miscommunications and conflicts. I think MyLotters should also keep in mind the limit they have with regards to commenting and their concept of "freedom of speech." MyLot is a site where anyone can share and discuss their ideas freely but it is important that members keep in mind that there are guidelines to be followed. I think discussions and responses are to made with regards not only to ourselves but also to others.
1 person likes this
@rosegardens (3032)
• United States
23 Feb 10
It is always wise to try to choose your words carefully, especially online. No one can hear your voice or see the expression on your face. It does seem that you do not mean to offend anyone. Perhaps you could explain to the person what you meant and that you are sorry to have offended them. I do try to choose my words when responding to delicate subjects, and hopefully I do not offend. that is not my intent and I do explain that when I feel I may have to interject something that may offend someone of a different opinion. But that's just it, isn't it. You said it perfectly--we are from different cultures, different backgrounds, belief systems, etc. Our goal should be to teach, guide, lead and learn from each other. There are many fabulous people here on Mylot. As I'm sure there are a few people who may not be so fabulous, but difference is what makes the world go round. It would be terribly boring if we all thought alike. What would most of us Mylotters ever write about if everyone thought similarly?
1 person likes this
• United States
24 Feb 10
Me personally, I try to take great caution when responding to posts and even dealing with people over the phone and in person. I never know what may offend someone else. But I always tell people that I deal with that If I ever offend them, please let me know because I have not done it intentionally. Perfect example is since I work in a call center it is very common for us to say yes ma'am when speaking to a woman on our line, but one lady found it very derogatory and offensive and demanded to speak to my supervisor. Of course I didn't mean to offend her, but I did apologize. So maybe the person has no clue that in your culture you may not think his comment was appropriate.
• Estonia
23 Feb 10
I try to respond to discussions here with great caution. I always think well before posting and try to pick the suitable words for expressing my thoughts, in order not to insult somebody. And I pick a different vocabulary for different people - I don't use too complicated words when communicating with people who don't speak English fluently.
@rosekiss (30414)
• Eugene, Oregon
23 Feb 10
I try to be as kind as I can be as there are others who are very esnsitive and get very upset if things are said in a derogatory way. I am a little sensitive myself, but I am ttying to overcome that. It is hard though, as you know, things said at times can cut into a person like a knfie and it is something that you don't forget, so I certainly don't want to do that to others. I t is cruel and cold hearted, and shouldn't be done by anyone, period. I,just basically post the best responses I can and not be mean but get my point across. After all, we all have feelings and we are all grownups and we need to act like it. Take care, and have a very good day or night and happy mylotting.
1 person likes this
• Philippines
25 Feb 10
yes i am. i am very particular with my response to make sure i did not hurt someones feeling. besides some members here took some post or response personally so we must avoid it. we also have to avoid bad words coz admin will going to delete your post. though its alright to open up your feelings but make it in general coz if someone hit it they feel that your talking to them.
• Canada
23 Feb 10
Hello Melloncollie! I was aware of the diversity and cultural differences when I joined Mylot. Ive had to deal with people from many countries with the different jobs I had over the years and noticed a difference in words and also how things are being said or written. We might think someone is snob or not interested when in fact it has to do with the upbringing and/or the cultural background. When in doubt, I think your best bet is to ask the person what she meant precisely and not take it personally. I may sound weird myself sometimes when replying and it has to do with the fact that Im doing 2 things at the same time. Im also working on my pc while Im Myloting!! Sometimes it drives me insane but how can I stay away from Mylot Ive noticed though that I do enjoy the diversity, its more fun, more challenging and Im always up for a challenge......but only fun ones!!! PS: sometimes I forget to re-read what I wrote too!!
@Kingco18 (33)
• United States
23 Feb 10
Usually when I make a response, I am very careful to use the information that the discussion provided. In order to make the best response possible. I usually try to generalize the answer and try not to make it personal. Their are times where the discussion provides enough information, that I can give a personal view on the matter. Either way I always try to explain why I came up with the answer and the information I used to express it.
@kooltiger (848)
• Pakistan
23 Feb 10
yes i really do care of my words when i respond to any discussion.. i try to respond positively... and try to help every one..
• India
23 Feb 10
As i have joined today it self i will see to it that i do it sincerely
1 person likes this
@myliezl0903 (2726)
• Philippines
23 Feb 10
yes of course. i don't want anyone to get offended ., but sometimes you will mean to say things that make people misunderstood your answer ., so better be careful ., less talk less mistakes. :P
@marianna45 (1399)
• Romania
23 Feb 10
I try to answer as best I can, but first try to understand very well the discussion itself. Can interventions misunderstandings, unfortunate, and people can enter discussion unnecessary and offensive very easily, there are different people with different levels of understanding, it is not a very easy language, and people are better or worse. so carefully as answer, I try,to do my best
@eurekafemme (5876)
• Philippines
23 Feb 10
Hello, Melloncollie.:-) We are all different individuals regardless of our cultures, beliefs, etc.Everytime I respond to a discussion or even post a topic to discuss, I am always taking into considerations the feelings of other mylotters who will happen to read what I wrote. It isn't that I am playing safe but I just don't want to hurt somebody's feelings. I am trying my best to be as gentle as I can especially to personal topics but sometimes, no matter how careful or wary we are not to offend others, we just can avoid it. If ever, I had offended someone(though it is not my intention), the only best thing that I can do is to apologize as soon as I have become aware of the other person's negative feelings to what I had posted... Also, crossing my fingers that that person will forgive me.:-) Happy mylotting and have a great day always.:-)
@bulastika (5966)
• Philippines
23 Feb 10
It's depend on your personality. Me I'm just trying to be me. If I'm moody at that time maybe I be moody to my response. If I'm happy then I have a happy response. The longer you stay in forum the less sensitive you are. It will do you no good if you keep on hurting your self with other remarks. Come on. This is the world we live in. Its never been fare.