Sponsored link on DU front page inappropriately childish

[Divine Discontent]

"Fish Wars on Cars

Poke fun with chrome car emblems: Darwin Fish, Jeebus, Hooked Fish, Dead Fish, Fish 'n Chips, Gefilte, Pagan, Reality Bites, Shark, T-Rex enjoying a fish snack, etc."


DU posting such an immature and childish website that literally mocks my belief that we are created with a compassionate soul by a loving creator, by allowing advertising on the front page really is insulting. I didn't donate to be made fun of by the people who supposedly support everyone's views, whether they be creationism, or big bang theory. Mocking Jesus & the 'fish' symbol is mocking something I hold very sacred and I'm shocked, well no, not really, I'm more like, "how pathetic!".

I'd think with the polite comments that leaders like the writer of Top 10 and others, who are very proper about they're comments about personal beliefs, wouldn't advertise such a degrading childish advertisement with foolish drawings to appear on such an important web home page.

Sincerely,
the martyred

[Scout1071]

1. Sorry you feel that way, but people are allowed to have varying

opinions and beliefs here. Some people actually believe in evolution. Crazy as it might sound.

[Scout1071]

16. PS - I find "W" stickers highly offensive. Not a lot I can do about those

either.

[Divine Discontent]

48. that's not a practiced "faith" n/t

[ComerPerro]

62. Talk to a Bush supporter sometime

Worshiping Bush is just as common and is done with just as much (if not more) devotion than worshiping Christ.

[Scout1071]

90. You're right. It's more like a cult.

A sick, twisted, ignorant cult.

[Skittles]

2. if I have to put up with this stuff on cars

you can put up with a bit of humor about it

[onenote]

7. what if it poked "humor" at muslims or jews?

Let's say they were selling kaffiyehs with pictures of smiley faces. Or yarmulkes with pirate's skulls? Would that be okay? I don't think so. And I agree with the OP that its not appropriate for DU. One person's opinion.

onenote

[Skittles]

10. like I said

if I have to put up with it on cars - and I haven't seen anything but fish on cars - it is fair game for humor. PERIOD.

[Qibing Zero]

14. That'd be kick-ass.

No, seriously, you can't stop it just because it could on the off-chance offend someone.

[walldude]

20. Yarmulkes with Pirate Skulls...

Couldn't be much worse than this

http://www.skullcap.com/asp/kipahList.asp?ImageID=64&PageName=Sport&MainPage=kipah


I don't really find it offensive but on the other hand I've got pretty thick skin.

[Lost-in-FL]

23. NO WAY!!!

:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[MuseRider]

25. Those are great!

Thanks, I have never seen one that wasn't black. Amazing.

[beam me up scottie]

Since when did muslims or jews try to take over our schools and country?

The fish has become a symbol of intolerance and entitlement and I'm sick of seeing it.

But I don't expect them to be hidden from my view anytime soon.

[beam me up scottie]

41. Dupe

[Ladyhawk]

11. Hell yeah. I've got the "Reality Bites" fishy. :) It rocks. :) n/t

[BrklynLiberal]

3. First Amendment?

[onenote]

72. inapplicable?

Not sure what you mean by your reference to the First Amendment, but its not a First Amendment question at all, since DU isn't the government. You do realize that DU can and does "censor" posts all the time, including threads posted by trolls and threads that are deemed flame bait. Haven't seen a lot of "first amendment" cries whenever a post is deleted for one of those reasons.

onenote

[MuseRider]

4. About as childish as the people

who keyed my Evolve Fish off the back of by new truck? Left a hell of a mess of scratches. It is covered now with an HRC sticker with a new Evolve Fish underneath and I just ordered a Flying Spaghetti Monster emblem as well. Peace, Honk If You Love Jesus.

[Ladyhawk]

15. Flying Spaghetti Monster RULEZ!

B-) I might have to pre-order one. I loved the Flying Spaghetti Monster religion's homepage.

http://www.venganza.org/

[Lost-in-FL]

19. Like the Fish n chips one...

Yum...

[MuseRider]

22. Ahhhhh

another Pastafarian? All bow before his noodly appendages!

[Ladyhawk]

27. Ramen!

[DBoon]

34. personally I prefer SLACK

Church of the Subgenius : http://www.subgenius.com/

[Ladyhawk]

82. Bob sucks. ;) n/t

[HawkerHurricane]

87. I prefer the Invisible Pink Unicorn

http://www.invisiblepinkunicorn.com/

Blessed be her holy hooves!

[really annoyed]

5. Here

There are plenty of on-line stores with Jesus apparel. Maybe you should contact the moderators if you are so concerned with the ad.

Didn't we have this argument about the childfree ad?

It was like the time Conan O'Brien had Jesus figurines on his show that came from a Catholic catalog. The figurines had Jesus playing sports with children. He got a lot of hate mail for it, even though he is a devout Catholic himself.

[countmyvote4real]

Those figurines are hysterical.

I really like the one of the kid about to tackle Jesus.

[really annoyed]

43. hehe...

Yeah, I do remember that. My mom and I got a hoot out of the hockey Jesus.

[really annoyed]

51. Found em!

And it's SOLD at a Catholic shop!

http://www.catholicshopper.com/products/inspirational_sport_statues.html





People got REALLY offended at these, not realizing they were sold though a Catholic shop.

[beam me up scottie]

91. Is this one offensive:?

One of the best sites out there, www.jesusoftheweek.com

[mondo joe]

6. I'd say as childish as putting a symbol of your god on your car.

I guess we all just have to live with people with varying opinions, hm?

[Divine Discontent]

55. I don't have any stickers on my car

and secondly, if I did, they wouldn't mock someone else's religion.

sounds too hitlerish for me.

[blonndee]

60. "Hitlerish?" No, "Hitlerish" would be telling everyone to stop expressing

their points of view.

[Lost-in-FL]

65. Wasn't Hitler catholic?

[beam me up scottie]

96. Hitler was a christian, how odd he would bring him up.

I thought they were trying to forget about that?

[cynatnite]

66. Religion I hate...spirituality, I respect

Now, I'm more spiritual than what I used to be, but still consider myself agnostic.

What people believe as far as spirituality goes, I respect and I always will.

But I will never...ever...give one second of respect to organized religion. I have no use for it and I consider it a waste of money, time and space.

[renie408]

84. Look, I live some place where the bumper stickers usually say things...

like "Gun control means hitting what you aim at." and there is this one that is a pictoral rendition of 'man plus woman equals marriage' and stuff like that.

It is free expression. Everyone is able to express what they want on their car. If you want to buy a Darwin fish, do that. If you don't want to...well, I wouldn't if I was you.

As for it being 'hilterish', I don't really think of Hitler as having that much of a sense of humor.

[meisje]

8. I like the Reality Bites version

[Ladyhawk]

32. That one's been on my car for about three years. :)

I got tired of the fundy version and felt a need to respond. :shrug:

[TimeChaser]

9. Hey now!

Other people have the right to advertise their religions on their cars as much as you do.

[Divine Discontent]

61. did you read what I wrote?

I don't think so. I've been posting a while, and I'm certain I said making fun of someone else's religion, not stating their own beliefs... there's a HUGE difference. And when that becomes "OK" to do, then we're screwed. so basically, we're screwed as a country. it's not ok to advertise one's beliefs by slamming someone's else's as a way to make your point... it's a not a "i'm right, you're wrong' game. It's positive expression, and this isn't positive in any manner. guess they can't come up with something interesting to say about their scientific beliefs that doesn't talk about Jesus Christ's religion.

[TimeChaser]

78. Ahem

You listen Pagan as one of the fishes you objected to. Does that mean I'm not allowed to show my religion on my car?

[Lost-in-FL]

12. Here we go...

:popcorn:

[cynatnite]

17. Got any more? I'm out...

Ate it all when Scotty was getting his ass kicked last week during the press briefing.

:evilgrin:

[cynatnite]

13. Just ignore it

If that's the worst thing that offends you here at DU, I'd say you're in for a rude awakening. I've been offended by numerous things here, but with diversity, you get all kinds of people with all kinds of opinions.

I post my opinions just like anyone else and will get brunt ones from other people. It's just how it is here.

'Praise Jeebus' is one you'll see. Another is the scathing opinions of religious matters from god to the bible. I'll jump in on those since my opinion is fairly scathing as well.

What I'm saying here is you might want to rethink being here because not everyone will take in consideration your sensibilities on matters like this.

[Divine Discontent]

24. I just love how people say it's "opinion"

no, it's mean spirited behavior, just like anyone who would scratch up someone's car because they don't approve of their sticker is mean spirited.


SO FUNNNNNY how most, not all, of the posters say if you are going to mention your god, then we have the right to be mean about it.

hmmmmm, I don't see how that equates to me being mean about anyone's opinion (if that's what one believes) that we just happened and call all non-believers "the going to hell crowd who are too stupid to see the truth".

I've seen someone type something along that line, and that would be a very very rude and inhuman thing to type..

so don't approve of verbal violence - it leads to the real thing, and don't we have enough of that ALREADY??????????????????

God bless

[mondo joe]

29. "verbal violence"? Nonsense. n/t

[MadisonProgressive]

30. Just like you had the need to start this thread

you have the need to inform everyone about your personal religious fantasies. Please keep it to yourself if you have nothing good to say to DU'ers.

JMO

[cynatnite]

33. It's also the internet

You've got to realize that there's not hardly any place a person can turn without being offended by something somewhere.

Hell, I don't even go to the yahoo message boards because of the stupidity and offensive posts there. Has little to do with opinion...it's the internet and it's the nature of the beast.

You can either ignore it or let it get to you. That's your choice. If you can't do either...there might be other places that you can find more to your liking.

Don't get me wrong...I'm not trying to push you out or anything. We have to make choices about what we do or see.

This is what I say to people who find offense on TV, with music and other things. Ignore it.

Why spend your time and energy getting worked up over it? Is it going to somehow damage your faith? If not, then move on.

[beam me up scottie]

57. Jesus Christ on a trailer hitch!

If atheists went around whining every time someone insulted us, we'd never have time to work on our Evil Atheist Conspiracy.

Why should you continue to get special treatment?

It's about time DU stopped catering to overly sensitive christians.

Most liberal DU christians don't seem to have a problem with humour.

Get over it.

[MadisonProgressive]

26. I'm not insulted by anything I've seen on DU

Sorry you are offended. If the 'Christians' didn't feel the strong need to lecture us about the virtues of their personal fantasies, I wouldn't feel the strong need to protest.

[MuseRider]

44. Perfect reply. n/t

[MadisonProgressive]

52. Perfect compliment!

[scarletwoman]

18. Yeah, well, I've always been annoyed that the Great Mother's yoni symbol

got ripped off by the Christians, but I've learned to live with it.

The vesica pisces is a very ancient symbol, pre-dating Christianity by millennia. Its original meaning was the Gateway of Life -- literally the Mother Goddess' vaginal opening.

sw

[Divine Discontent]

36. it doesn't change the facts

they are MOCKING with rude intent another person's beliefs. are we just as bad as the right wing free repuplic crowd and their narrow slant on what is right and what is wrong??? obviously so. I've never even THOUGHT of putting a mocking statement about other people's beliefs on my car, if you don't like what someone says, fine, why not just disagree and not be cruel in your own mini-dissertations?

[TimeChaser]

40. Calm down

If I put a fish with Pagan on it, how's that mocking your beliefs? You don't have a monopoly on fish-symbolism.

[scarletwoman]

70. It's called HUMOR.

A symbol is merely a signifier, it ought not to be an object of veneration in itself -- that would be idolatry, wouldn't it?

Be satisfied in you own spiritual choices, and leave others to theirs.

For myself, the fish symbol will always signify the Great Mother's vagina.

sw

[JVS]

80. Of course, when Republicans wipe the floor with us again in 2008

It will be because "fucking fundies don't know what's good for them" and not at all because people generally didn't like the fact that lots of people who had our candidate's sticker on their car also like to bait religious people.

Oh yeah, it will also be cause Southerners are "stupid cousin-fuckers"

[really annoyed]

85. Oh Geez...

You have got to be joking here. I don't think Darwin fish are going to lose us an election.

Plus - what is WRONG with point out the harm the "religious right" is doing to politics? You're content to court them into the Democratic party? It's not going to happen.

The fact of the matter is that the majority of the Democratic party is Christian.

[JVS]

89. A widespread attitude of contempt toward the largest religion in the...

land just might cost us though.

Mocking people's religion rarely (and I am avoiding never on the never say never principle) is helpful in turning people on to your politics. If you have the issues on your side, use them and don't go around insulting people for fun.

[really annoyed]

94. I Doubt It

I'm sorry, but I have a negative opinion about Christianity, and that is not going to change. It doesn't mean I'm NOT spiritual though. I have a variety of "religious" beliefs - they just don't happen to be the majority.

Plus, this is a message board, not a rally for the Democratic party. Most Democratic websites have "faith" links.

Insults happens. It's called "opinion." The Republican party has no problem painting us with childish names. Look at all the votes it won them.

[Autonomy]

42. Judaism wasn't always wholly patriarchal

In fact, it wasn't always monotheistic. There was a time, perhaps not long before Jesus, that it embraced duality. Hence the left hand and right hand path symbols overlapping in the Star of David. It was henotheistic, which means they recognized, but did not worship, other gods. Hence the commandment: thou shalt not put other gods before me. Early Christianity was largely immersed in gnosticism, but that's a whole other topic.

Not really on topic, but interesting nonetheless. :)

[Ioo]

21. Your Kidding Right?

I think they are funny as hell...

Mocking a fish, the fish is not a sacred object, you must be nut...

[Divine Discontent]

28. putting Jeebus

is mocking Christ's holy name, it is holy to me, as is my Christian faith, so verbally assaulting my beliefs is childish, and reeks of a foul view upon your fellow man. we must be accepting of each other's beliefs and not focus our attention to INSULTING the other's belief to make a statement about our own.

[really annoyed]

31. Well then

I don't consider Christ holy, so I don't see the need to show any holy behavior. I find Christianity insulting to humanity, but I try to keep a low profile about it.

Here is a site you can suggest to the moderator if you are concerned.

www.christianshirts.net

[ultraist]

35. BWHAHA.

:rofl:

[Divine Discontent]

45. really annoyed?

well it just sounds like with that attitude that is why you're feeling so annoyed all the time. I give of my time to those in need, money to the needy, and never judge someone else's beliefs, in fact I have many non-Christian friends who practice a totally different belief system - MOCKING IT would be so rude - but I guess I'm dealing with the best of the best at the site... so I find it hard to believe that being that type of person is someone that makes you sick, I guess you'd prefer we be all mocking of each other's beliefs like a lot of people on this site.

SO, I'll just say, sorry we have Bush as a president to piss everyone off with about "Christianity".....

really, he doesn't practice it in his administration, simply looking at Jesus' words show that. There is no compassion in these people, and so I'll just say - focus the distrust at the right person, not the one I call Savior.

Good night to all.... ;)

[charlie]

46. You picked your moniker well, too

C'mon, ragging on his screenname is lame.

[really annoyed]

59. I LOVE my screen name!

And I'm actually a pretty nice person in general.

Who isn't really annoyed with the Bush administration?

[charlie]

68. Oops, *her* screenname

My apologies, mesdames :hi:

[really annoyed]

75. That's OK!

:)

[beam me up scottie]

69. No kidding, that was a dead giveaway!

Persecution fantasies are so lame.

[really annoyed]

47. I think you need to lighten up

If you can't take criticism of your faith, then obviously it's not that strong.

[ultraist]

64. themartyred, don't feel so victimized.

:)

[havocmom]

93. I believe STRONGLY in humor and you are mocking MY belief

by whining about something which many find very humorous. Also, you seem to be judging my belief in humor as being offensive. Hmmm, seems, I dunno, sorta rude to my sensibilities.

Wondering where we might see all this replayed soon. ;)

[Ioo]

49. I think Jesus is just a man, nothing more... You just don't get it do you

First of all, the mods did not just put it there, the makers of the fishs PAY DU for the ad. I will repeat, Fish people are paying DU. So you you should go to your little god shirt place, and tell them to place an ad...

The FISH PEOPLE ARE PAYING DU...

[Qibing Zero]

50. Exactly.

Invoking any part of the religion actually hits me on a personal level, because I turned from it at a young age, yet nearly my entire family believes in it strongly. I don't let it bother me, though, and that's the key.

Learn to laugh at life (and yourself) a little bit, I say. It'll help you more than you even know.

[really annoyed]

81. Agreed

Thanks :hi:

I was Baptist for many, many years. Now, I just try to make the best of my life without religion, and I'm a very happy person.

I think most Christians here at DU are decent people and take no offense at their religion being poked fun at - who doesn't like Monthy Python? :) As long as it's light fun, of course.

I don't find that site offensive at all - there are plenty of symbols used for that fish. It's not just an exclusive property of Christianity.

[Lost-in-FL]

54. WTF??

Get stoned like Paul???? :wtf: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:

[really annoyed]

67. I know

I about cracked up at that too.

There's a Bush ad at the end of the website. :puke:

[MadisonProgressive]

37. What other demands do you have for us tonight?

[mondo joe]

38. Having to hear "Jesus" all the time is insulting to me. But I can tolerate

it.

Can you?

[proud2BlibKansan]

39. No one is mocking your beliefs

It is what the fundies do with these beliefs (like cram them down our throats) that I object to.

[Divine Discontent]

86. thank you proud2Blib

that's what I'm talking about! I'm totally with you on that statement, 100%.


THANK YOU
THANK YOU
THANK YOU
THANK YOU

[leftofthedial]

53. oh go crucify yourself

[Divine Discontent]

that's a personal attack, I ask you not to make those. thanks

Is there no civility in our society anymore? making that kind of comment to anyone is condescending and flame bait, so I'll give you a God bless you for it! And another when I go to bed.

[Autonomy]

56. Don't you think advertising your religion is tacky?

and worse yet, advertizing your religion by putting a HOLY SYMBOL on your dirty car is sacrilegious? Perhaps those symbols are mocking tackiness and sacrilege, and not your religion.

[Divine Discontent]

83. once again, I don't have any stickers

if someone wants stickers of the cross, star of david, the muslim creation symbol, etc. on their car they can express themselves positively.

attacking their beliefs by using anything that relates to their religion is the act of one who has nothing to believe in, or one would be discussing their own beliefs. I fully respect all religions equally.

and finally, the comment of the stickers mocking Jesus by using a fish with a dinosaur, or putting the word jeebus or whatever is referring to my faith - that is what I hold sacred and if any one here holds anything sacred, is it a 'big person' who would take a sticker and slap it on their car and point out something about the other person's belief as being something to mock. if so, so be it, you go ahead and be childish.

I'll continue respecting true beliefs, and not giving respect to those who only have venomous tongues and nothing to state with their constant assault on anything "Christian".

I'll say it for everyone who walks away with the star of david, the creation symbol of muslims, and the cross (even though I don't have any of these) - GET OVER IT.

It's their right, don't be like the 5th grade bully who only does it because he has nothing else to do.

You all chose to come in and make responses, so I'm glad I at least got your attention, and I thank the posts who said it's not right to make fun of other people's beliefs.

good night.

[JVS]

58. Here is a thought

Suppose you were driving down the street and saw a car with a star of david sticker and under it it said:

God's "chosen" people

Is there anyone here who would find such a sticker offensive? If so, why would you find such a sticker offensive?

[Ioo]

63. I orded 2 Because of this thread, I hope they offend you on my car too

:)

I will put one on my VW Bettle, and one on my giant SUV (Not real big it is an xterra)

[havocmom]

71. What if I don't believe in cars? Aren't you mocking my beliefs

by driving around with your standard fish on your car?

Who died and made one of us the judge of all of us? My beliefs get more than mocked, they get totally snubbed. My response? Go on believing what I do and not get my knickers in a twist every time somebody else smirks at my temple.

There's a lot more damage done to Christianity than others playing with fish. How about taking on people like Robertson, who professes to be doing God's work when he cons people out of money they really can't afford to send him and invests it in mining operations in partnership with murderous despots? Now his actions mock Christian faith!

[HEAVYHEART]

73. Oh wow

Thanks for the fyi. I can't wait to order one! woohoo!

[Qibing Zero]

74. One wonders

In what light do you view writers like Ingersoll? Is that kind of rational critique of christianity a mockery as well and also insulting to you?

[Junkdrawer]

76. Insisting on teaching creationism in public schools is much worse...

And following a pathological maniac because he pretends to the same ideals is just down right frightening...

Er...bigger fish to fry...:shrug:

[supernova]

77. If you're going to be offended by childish and impolite talk

about all sorts of subjects, including religion, perhaps DU isn't the place for you, themartyred.

DU is a free-for-all of all sorts of ideas and debate for the left of this country.

Develop a thick skin if you want to stay.

Supernova,

Your fellow liberal xtain.

[renie408]

79. This is a joke...right? n/t

[Coexist]

88. My Darwin fish was stolen off of my car last weekend

that wasn't very Christian, now, was it??!

My kids thought it was hysterical that a Christian would steal in public.

They are meant to be tongue-in-cheek, and honestly, I only purchased one when I got sick of reading about Intelligent Design being pushed in my school system. I have a voice - and I'm not afraid to use it. Even if it means I have to put up with religious vandals.

[Terran]

92. If your faith cannot stand a little mocking..

then I suggest that your faith isn't very strong. I get mocked for my lack of belief in a Christian god all the time and you don't see me whining about it.

[Arkana]

95. Get over it.

Seriously. Grow a sense of humor. They're not saying that you can't believe that, they're merely advertising for a company that believes differently. If you were secure in your beliefs, I don't think you'd object.

[The Magistrate]

97. Locking

If you have concernbs about an advertiser, please contact the Administrators of Democratic Underground:

Ask the Administrators:
For Questions about our Discussion Forum
[e-mail]

General Email:
For All other Inquiries
[e-mail]

Snail Mail:
Democratic Underground
P.O. Box 53350
Washington, DC 20009