What I find curious is that his racist and homophobic antics contradict the positive image I get of him regarding his business philosophy, selling products with the smallest profit margin as possible. Usually these are people with a leftist/liberal view of the world, a view I have myself. That said, I'm not that political correct when it comes to freedom of speech. I'm not easily offended and I generally think people can say whatever they want, unless they are calling out for violence, there I draw the line. The current social justice climate that reigns in the US, Canada and which is starting to take form in the Netherlands I find suffocating and annoying as hell.
So, to be honest I am not that sure what to think about this ban. Was he warned? Did he get a second chance? Did he mean what he said?
I agree with you, I myself also don't
personally agree with how it is in the US, but it doesn't affect those who view things like that. I am very closed when it comes to personal opinion, there is no need to express it - personal = it's about me/you (not others). I don't care what others do or whatever, but I do have personal preference, stuff I agree with/ don't agree with. That's okay, but don't express it publicly because you are going to get squashed and smashed. There is no need to discuss political view publicly, I think there is a line where some "freedom" starts being crazy and insane, but it's
personal opinion. If it crosses my path, I will take action, I have no intention on changing peoples opinion, but if it affects me, then I care. I prefer not to get into the controversy, but if you justify Goruspiks actions on Head-Fi, then you just do not understand how business works. It will hurt Jude's business, no sponsor or serious company wants to take part of a controversial platform that goes against somebodies rights - especially racism, nationalism, or giving offensive comments. You are allowed to judge, but keep it to yourself, once you cross that line, you face the consequences.
I mean, is his racism and nationalism explained/justified? No. Cannot be. This gut is Slavic himself and decided to insult me though I didn't show a single sign of disrespect. Cmon, if you don't like a certain race - that's your thing. Don't show it publicly, it's your opinion.
He got more than a second chance, look at his posts on Science Review forum, he shows no regret. He considers that acceptable, perhaps "trolling" or a little fun. He doesn't mean any serious apology, and a forum is a business. You have no right to disrespect other members. He did this more than once, he is ignorant, unprofessional, awful business owner.
If you were a business owner, would you like to have somebody disrespecting your customers? Would you give them a second chance? Look at it from the business perspective. There is no second chance deserved. Simple as that. Jude doesn't want to risk his business that he built for years, nobody should risk their hard built business because of a ignorant person who doesn't understand the simple concept of business and being a human, especially expressing yourself publicly.
I lived in the Netherlands for 4 years, it's definitely starting to look like the US, but that's okay. Does it affect you? It shouldn't, and I don't think it can, unless you come face to face with a person you disagree with. Just live your life, let others live their life. It shouldn't be that big of a problem. What is a problem is when you are trying to change somebody else's life because you don't agree with it or accept it. It's not your life, so move on.
There are rules that you must obey, especially in business. Don't forget that!