In the past week I’ve been absolutely roasted for criticising two different countries. Normally I’d be okay with that, I can handle a mild toasting and after all debate is a good thing.
On both occasions though I was flamed for mentioning human rights issues that are established facts and have been known for many, many years. I was critical of the actions/laws of their governments and not the people, their race, religion, general political ideology or nationality.
On both occasions I was bombarded by long posts that parroted propaganda, and in the case of one country I was told (on multiple occasions) that I was ignorant, racist and even fascist for mentioning the issues I did. I’m not complaining about how I was treated, but as a reminder, I was discussing internationally-recognised human rights concerns that can be verified and based in fact.
I could just be paranoid but I’m fairly convinced the responses weren’t from patriotic citizens. I think they were paid trolls or bots, and I think their purpose was to quiet negative talking points about the countries that were mentioned.
Has anyone else had a similar experience?
Whenever I’ve encountered propaganda or have been flamed for talking about human rights, etc. it’s been from instances ending in “.ml”.
I don’t know what that means, but I would like to be able to block all “.ml” users.
I’m no expert but I think you can block whole instances, yes.
You can it’s in the settings. I blocked the “.ml” instance.
that blocks posts but not comments.
TIL
Honestly, same. :| The memes community is particularly gnarly at times. I wish I could shuffle my account like I can on Masto and keep my old posts.
AFAIK .ml is meant as TLD for Mali and in this case(s) has been chosen to reflect their views as standing for “marxist-leninist”.
ml is the ur-instance
you are powerless
say something nice about Pol Pot
Uh…I like that Dead Kennedy’s song?
The Central Committee has decided not to execute you! (for now)