Poor punmanship
I finally got around to really reading through the new ibles blog. Seems you need to log into facebook to post a comment there so hence the posting here as forum topic. I was interested to read about the ice cream gathering, the one promoted with the "nitroglycerine" ice cream. I get to the part where you have the flavors listed. I see:
Rum Raisin (aka MADD About You)
Now, that is questionable on many levels. If that is the name of the flavor promoted by the ice cream vendor, shame on them. If that is the name of a flavor made up by the blogger, I think they need to have a look at the Be Nice policy.
I am not beyond reproach but I do know where not to cross the line.
Rum Raisin (aka MADD About You)
Now, that is questionable on many levels. If that is the name of the flavor promoted by the ice cream vendor, shame on them. If that is the name of a flavor made up by the blogger, I think they need to have a look at the Be Nice policy.
I am not beyond reproach but I do know where not to cross the line.
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Not cool.
I wonder which was more popular on the day...?
Plus there are funnier/more obscure puns/names. Just as an example of obscure names that might make people groan and laugh at the same time, there's a drink called The Pearl Harbor which is actually a popular, standard bar drink. The vast majority of people won't understand why they should laugh and groan at the same time, but a few might.
You did hit the point that it doesn't seem to keep with the tone of Instructables. I was just really taken aback that something like this was written and posted by the staff. That said, there are random comments from members that do take shots at PETA, vegans, paleo dieters, kombucha drinkers, people trying to save the world, druids, what have you, etc. but they are not representing the brand image. Blah, blah with corporate responsibliity but hey, in the public eye they have to show restraint. Not as bad as an executive inadvertently blurting out "I'd like my life back." but it did strike a chord with this reader.
To my mind, that's far too many syllables for any drink, I stick to "Beer" preferably slightly warm......
Steve
I eventually got around to googling, just in case there a genuine fuss to be made, and it is strictly a US thing - in the UK, MADD is a dessert brand, or a college, or a dance studio...
http://www.wearemadd.com/
http://www.maddcollege.co.uk/
http://www.madd-for-dance.co.uk/
Nothing controversial at all, outside the US, and, TBH, I still have trouble finding the offense now that I know what US readers see in the acronym.
Probably a cultural divide of some sort.
Tutti Fruitti (aka GLAAD About You)
I forgot the moral compass just spins around and you embed them in tabletops.
I mean, they wouldn't, would they?
(Would they?)
2. I am trying to get a feel for what the new editorial voice of Instructables is. You too, being a steadfast ibler, would also be concerned of the image they are trying to project. Cool DIY stuff, yeah, Controversial, maybe? I cannot see the ibles through the contests. I just hope they are being smart about it. That Mothers Against Drunk Driving MADD reference should have been thought out better. One of things you don't want to lose for the site is respect.
Steve
It was written by an American aimed at a majority American audience. American contexts are achingly relevant.
>TBH, I still have trouble finding the offense now that I know what US readers see in the acronym.
...really?
Here's a thought. Would the same thing be posted if it wasn't MADD, but the NAACP that was the punchline? Timothy McVeigh? The KKK?
The fact is, words have power. They are not mere meaningless toys to be bandied about as if they had no consequences, no implications. We shape language, but language also shapes us; the language we use directly affects how we (and people we affect with it) think. It affects attitudes, and attitudes affect actions. The ideas contained in the language we use are subtly reinforced with every repetition.
By making (or repeating) a joke of drunk driving (or for that matter, rape, terrorism, genocide, hate crimes, or similar, decidedly un-funny subjects) you trivialize a serious subject and reinforce those cultural norms which contribute to these tragedies in the first place.
You also show a decided lack of respect for those affected by it - victims and families. This isn't some dumb meme on the internet. This is real. Real people die every day because of drunk drivers. Real people lose their loved ones every day. Real people suffer - are suffering. Are dying.
A bit of respect is in order.
Ohhhhhh...
*ducks giant flying endmill*
[gets steel capped boots on >>
*displays naturally rugby/'merkin-football-playing-inner-city-a$$-kicking-esque build*
Thank you for a most excellent and insightful discussion :-)
(Also, /concur - that's ridiculous)