Compared to many here, I'm relatively new to TMO, which puts me at a bit of a disadvantage when it comes to handling these types of threads - lock them and you're accused of censoring people, let them go and some people get pissed and leave.
I can tell you that on other sites I've owned and managed we would shut down controversial topics on religion, politics, social issues, and anything that was hot button that usually ended up locked with people attacking each other. The problem I've found over the years is the internet is not a great venue to discuss sensitive topics that tend to go differently in person. People often say things online that they wouldn't in person, usually to try and make a point, not really caring who disagrees or where others are coming from on the subject. People talk at each other instead of with each other online. It's what I hate most about social media.
What I love most about cars and car communities is how we come together regardless of our backgrounds and our bias. This tends to get lost when these type of discussions spill over from social media. I'd prefer we shut them all down and keep this place more neutral territory, a place where we can get away from the drama. Though I feel like the emotional IQ here could be high enough to sustain a meaningful conversation, I'm wondering if it's even worth allowing those conversations when there are plenty of other places where it can be discussed already.
I can tell you that on other sites I've owned and managed we would shut down controversial topics on religion, politics, social issues, and anything that was hot button that usually ended up locked with people attacking each other. The problem I've found over the years is the internet is not a great venue to discuss sensitive topics that tend to go differently in person. People often say things online that they wouldn't in person, usually to try and make a point, not really caring who disagrees or where others are coming from on the subject. People talk at each other instead of with each other online. It's what I hate most about social media.
What I love most about cars and car communities is how we come together regardless of our backgrounds and our bias. This tends to get lost when these type of discussions spill over from social media. I'd prefer we shut them all down and keep this place more neutral territory, a place where we can get away from the drama. Though I feel like the emotional IQ here could be high enough to sustain a meaningful conversation, I'm wondering if it's even worth allowing those conversations when there are plenty of other places where it can be discussed already.