Is "Zimmermans" a fair word to describe other DUers?

[Union Scribe]

This discussion thread was locked as off-topic by krispos42 (a host of the Gun Control & RKBA group).

Specifically, when discussing gun policy in this forum, should it be acceptable to invoke the name Zimmerman in a descriptive manner in talking about other posters here, e.g. to either call them Zimmermans, Zimmerman "wannabes," or imply same assuming a poster is not actually associating themselves with Zimmerman or his actions?

Examples:

For all we know, Zimmerman was here before he went on the run after shooting

Yes, many of the gun culture here are just cyber Zimmermans. In reality, some may be too.

She displayed more guts than most who carry like Zimmerman

No worse than your gun carrying buddy Zimmerman.

Posting to those like Zimmerman who carry routinely will make one like that.

Ain't that nice. George Zimmerman pants -- with a pocket to hide your gun

And those were just the ones I've actually noticed lately.

I don't think that posters here should have to put up with that. Discussing gun policies is difficult enough without a poster deliberately using inflammatory language to not-at-all-subtly tie people who disagree with them to a high-profile killer. And I should point out that often the case isn't even the topic at hand when these Zimmerman accusations come flying in.

So, whaddya think?

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[rrneck]

1. It's no worse than "motherfucker". nt

[NewMoonTherian]

2. I hadn't realized how many of these slurs had already been slung.

It could become the next "Godwin's Law" if it goes on long past Zimmerman's actual trial.

[BiggJawn]

3. I could do without the "All you rude toters jack off with your guns" threads, too.

And the bullshit about how I dream of killing people, instead of fucking Helen Mirrin, like I actually do.

You don't like guns, fine. How's about I start inferring it's because you were scared by your father's penis when you were a toddler?

[Skittles]

5. I have no problem with guns

I have a BIG problem with gun nuts

[Callisto32]

14. Just driving by...

thought you'd kick a little abusive ad hominem out.


Classy.

[PavePusher]

24. Please define "gun nut". n/t

[Mister Ed]

4. Only those DU'ers who have stalked unarmed teenagers,

shouted vile racial epithets at them, and shot them dead.

[hlthe2b]

6. The moderates in RKBA may take offense, but unfortunately there are quite a few whose rhetoric...

would make Zimmerman seem rather cautious in comparison. Sorry folks but there has been thread after thread, post after post that unquestionably defended SYG and Zimmerman's actions--with no hesitation. Sometimes when the shoe fits.....

[Callisto32]

9. Links, PLZ.

"Sorry folks but there has been thread after thread, post after post that unquestionably defended SYG and Zimmerman's actions--with no hesitation."

[hlthe2b]

10. One need only take your blinders off....

[Callisto32]

11. So you don't have any?

[geckosfeet]

7. Of course it is not fair.

Personally, this duer does not call anyone names. But you have to realize, non-firearm toting people make these associations easily. Ie: you carry - you have that in common with Zimmerman. I accept that much. This gives them a little self-righteous distance from the firearms crowd. As for being a wannabe or insinuating that someone is looking for trouble, that's taking it a few steps over the line. We don't need that kind of polarization on du or anywhere else.

People who do not own or have experience with firearms seem to find it is easy to make that conceptual connection between carrying and looking for trouble. People like Zimmerman do not help and defending his actions definitely does not help. There is so much inaccurate reporting in media stories involving firearms. Writers with no experience at all with firearms trying to be an authority. They connect to their own fears and put them in their writing. And no one in the editorial room calls them on it.

[PavePusher]

25. I breathe air. So did Iosif Vissarionovich Dzhugashvili.

I am not in any way equivalent to Dzhugashvili.

[sarisataka]

27. Do you now or have you ever

had aspirations to the title General Secretary?

[PavePusher]

28. I prefer to aspire to the post of 'World Dictator In His Grand and Magnificent Benevolence(tm)'.

Everything will go much more smoothly if you all just do what I tell you to.....

[sarisataka]

29. For your reference

I direct you too

http://www.eviloverlord.com/

in the hope of being appointed to a cabinet post worthy of my sycophantry. Perhaps Minister of Made Up Words?

or at least a dungeon cell with less rabid rats? *please*

[PavePusher]

30. Note that I used the word "Benevolent".

Of course, when I am Supreme Dictator, I'll get to define the word...

P.S. The Evil Overlord is actually one of my employees. But it's a position with a high turn-over rate. We're always accepting applications and holding try-outs. Got a good dental plan. (We really have to....)

[Hoyt]

8. A law-abiding gun carrying member of gun culture -- until the perfect storm arose and he shot an

unarmed teenager . . . . . .and, actually, claimed self-defense with a straight face.

Do you not think that could happen to you guys? Although it should be obvious -- if you have a gun in your pocket and have trained to use it, you are much more likely to use it than someone who doesn't see the need for a gun in public.

Like Zimmerman, a lot of the carriers see themselves as a protector of society, judge, jury, and SWAT team.

Point is, if you don't think you could end up like Zimmerman, maybe you need to re-access your gun carrying habits.

[Warren Stupidity]

12. The gungeon is a special zone where name calling by everyone is routine.

I suggest you get over it.

[Callisto32]

13. "Play stupid games..."

[TheCowsCameHome]

15. Sure, why not?

His name is pretty much a household word.

[slackmaster]

16. Someone is trying to Bernie Goetz the name Zimmerman?

Being old doesn't necessarily make one wise, but it does give perspective.

[Glaug-Eldare]

17. I don't really mind being insulted, but the case is ongoing

and it leaves a really bad taste in my mouth when people are convicted outside the courtroom. I can't carry yet, but I'd rather be called a wannabe Goetz. He was convicted of that possession charge, anyway.

[ileus]

18. Zmangunnertoterbaserrudetotertypes...I like it...it's entertaining.

...It's done mostly for grins and giggles.

[Remmah2]

19. It's a barometer of frustration.

It happens when you're on the losing side of the arguement.

It's also fair to say that those who dish it up can't take it.

[gejohnston]

20. What happens after the trial?

Almost all of the coverage has been half assed at best. Look, they could not even take the time to look up the Florida law or check Wikipedia to see if Florida really has the first SYG law. Some of it was made up or just speculation, like NBC.

Once the trial comes around, what if everything the name callers thought they knew turn out to be wrong?

[sarisataka]

22. The foundation is already laid

-the cops did not gather evidence properly
-the jury was full of guntoters
-the jury was racist
-the witnesses lied to protect him
-evidence was hidden and/or falsified
-....

there are plenty of comments on many threads already stating that Z is guilty and that if a jury finds otherwise they are wrong and he is guilty.

Apparently you are a defender if you want a person to face a trial before you convict/sentence them.

[Kaleva]

21. I don't have a problem with it. It'll become archaic in time.

For those who may find the term offensive, place the poster using it on ignore.

[discntnt_irny_srcsm]

23. No...

...not right now and probably not in the long run but I'll let you know for sure after the trial.

[ManiacJoe]

26. Buzz words are all some people have.

Their posts can be good for comic relief.

[krispos42]

31. Locking

If "Zimmerman" has become a term that has become an insult... and this is likely... then it should be dealt with in the same fashion as other personal attacks and group smears. For this to happen, the DU population at large needs to be made aware of this for jury and hosting purposes.

I would suggest Help & Meta-Discussion.

Regards,
Krispos42, Gungeon Host