I've been thinking so much about what went down on BSKY yesterday and I have some thoughts.
I think the biggest take away from yesterday and the major one is:
STOP ASSUMING EVERYONE ON SOCIAL MEDIA IS AMERICAN
This is HUGE and something that has to stop. I don't know what word to use because I don't speak English well, but- this is something that needs to be unlearned by Americans. Not every person you engage with is American. Not everyone is from America.
Just because someone types in English doesn't mean they live in America. America is one small ass place on this planet. There are other places out there.
Second, cultural differences and nuance is important. What's offensive in America may not be somewhere else. These times can be used to educate rather then attack and it helps everyone (Americans and everyone else) learn and grow. Especially when its someone who isn't a native English speaker, education, talking and learning together can make these fandom spaces so much better for everyone!
Some words don't translate well into English. So mistakes are bound to happen. So many non-native English speakers are so scared to openly engage in the community because of this. They are scared if they make a mistakes they will get death threats and shit.
Don't attack, talk to them, discuss, have a conversation. You both could learn something.