A discussion on front page political editorializing

"mkbruin, Atlas VP" (mkbruin) 11/16/2016 at 11:20 • Filed to: None

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This is not a place for personal attacks or to rehash the election. This is a measured discussion regarding the front pages (yes, I still call it that) recent dramatic shift towards political activism.

Not that long ago, as Gawker Media filed for bankrupcy, the common statement by a large majority of commenters centered around finding a new home or purchaser for the few sites in the empire that had a propensity to avoid the apparent political biases worn on the sleeve by Gawker proper. I09, lifehacker, and Jalopnik were the primary sites that stood apart from the other, more vitriolic sites.

I recall previous election cycles, where the most predominent sentiment expressed was that Jalopnik and Oppo was a place to escape the bias, hate, and politics that consumed many other sites. Jalop and Oppo was a place to discuss Stang vs Camaro, Viper vs Vette, land cruisers vs prii. The comment section is far more vitriolic than ever before, and its being driven by the tone and tenor set by the editorial staff.

If there has been a shift in the editorial direction, does the editorial staff have a responsibility (not requirement) to pen an open letter to announce or discuss? At this point are we beyond reasonable policy discourse without resorting to ad hominin attacks or the marginalization of reasonable voices?

For Sweden > mkbruin, Atlas VP 11/16/2016 at 11:25

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I don’t think the writers shifted. However, much of the discussion this presidential election, particularly by the winning candidate, focused on trade.

Cars are the one five-figure consumer good that almost everyone buys, and the automotive industry is particularly dependent on global trade. Politics are important to car culture right now.

Textured Soy Protein > mkbruin, Atlas VP 11/16/2016 at 11:25

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I dunno, but everyone who disagrees with me is an (insert epithet here).

For Sweden > Textured Soy Protein 11/16/2016 at 11:26

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Everyone who disagrees with me is literally an Oppositelock mod.

Urambo Tauro > mkbruin, Atlas VP 11/16/2016 at 11:28

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I’m genuinely curious about the relationship between GM blogs. The Slot is a thing that exists, so why publish politics on Gizmodo, The Concourse, etc.?

I mean, if there’s an upcoming policy change that directly affects cars, technology, or sports, fine. That’s worthy of an article (or at least a Kinja-share) on the appropriate blog. At least that would still be on-topic.

CalzoneGolem > For Sweden 11/16/2016 at 11:28

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Awesome I didn’t realize I became a mod!

Gamecat235 > For Sweden 11/16/2016 at 11:28

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Wait, but for once I agree with you. What does that make me?

Nothing > mkbruin, Atlas VP 11/16/2016 at 11:28

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We’re only a week removed from one of the most divisive and quite shocking presidential elections the country has had. I’m willing to give a little leeway when it comes to political chatter for a while. I tend to gloss over political banter anyway. Now, policies, etc. that will have an impact on the auto industry are still fair game to be discussed and debated.

My citroen won't start > mkbruin, Atlas VP 11/16/2016 at 11:30

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I don’t understand this “we don’t want politics on Jalopnik” bullshit, politics is everywhere and we need to take sides, especially on a news/media outlet website.

The editors have a right and a duty to take sides, especially with the human Cheeto at helm

CalzoneGolem > mkbruin, Atlas VP 11/16/2016 at 11:31

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I don’t feel like the Jalop FP is more political than before but it must be noted that Trump did actually call out Ford and the Jalop team has every right to cover that. This election has certainly spurred more discussion than previous one.

TheHondaBro > Textured Soy Protein 11/16/2016 at 11:32

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Hitler*

TheHondaBro > Gamecat235 11/16/2016 at 11:32

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doM kcoletisoppO

Cash Rewards > mkbruin, Atlas VP 11/16/2016 at 11:34

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It’s dangerous to guess at someone else’s thoughts, but throughout the media it seems as if the more negative aspects of the campaign were such that a response is morally mandated. It seems the idea is that by saying nothing you are implicitly condoning something. I think the election just pushed people too far

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > Textured Soy Protein 11/16/2016 at 11:34

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“a really swell chap”

unclevanos (Ovaltine Jenkins) > TheHondaBro 11/16/2016 at 11:35

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*Arch Duke

For Sweden > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo 11/16/2016 at 11:37

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Calling someone British is beyond the pale

McMike > mkbruin, Atlas VP 11/16/2016 at 11:37

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Everyone is entitled to their opinions, believes, whatever.. If that’s who Jaloplink wants to be, fine..

It’s just that too much of it derails any related discussion that exists.

If there’s an article about the five remaining cars avaialble with a manual gearbox, and the author adds a comment at the end refering to “reverse gear” and “all the manual reverse gears in the world can’t rewind this election” etc.. - and all hell breaks loose.

Comment section turns into a side show shit show.

If that’s what they want, then fine.... but I’m here to talk about cars.

EL_ULY > mkbruin, Atlas VP 11/16/2016 at 11:38

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fixed! World peace :]

not for canada - australian in disguise > Textured Soy Protein 11/16/2016 at 11:39

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Everyone who disagrees with me is an epithet.

TheHondaBro > McMike 11/16/2016 at 11:40

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side show shit show

show (side shit)

I algebra too much... ( ._.)

Xyl0c41n3 > Gamecat235 11/16/2016 at 11:40

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A saint.

JawzX2, Boost Addict. 1.6t, 2.7tt, 4.2t > Urambo Tauro 11/16/2016 at 11:41

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Arguably the isolationism of the online world was/is a direct contributor to modern politics. I for one welcome more editorializing.

http://oppositelock.kinja.com/the-internet-is-a-huge-prop-to-this-world-view-i-said-1788773559

Chris_K_F drives an FR-Slow > mkbruin, Atlas VP 11/16/2016 at 11:41

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I could understand them letting it permeate a couple of articles, but it seems like something political is making it into a significant amount of content now. And not just casual mentions, jabs or jokes. I understand that there is certainly a major tie-in between the auto industry and politics, but I would prefer that my automotive media didn’t get so heavy handed with political opinions. I get enough of that everywhere else, and like you said these pages used to be a refuge from all of that. Oh god, there I go talking about safe spaces. Dammit! lol #imamillenial #imaspecialsnowflake

Xyl0c41n3 > mkbruin, Atlas VP 11/16/2016 at 11:48

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For some of us, all this “political” talk is talk about what is directly affecting us in real life. We don’t have the luxury of “escaping” it.

I can’t stop being brown skinned. I can’t stop being Mexican-American. I can’t stop being a woman. I can’t stop being a journalist (well, I guess technically, I could on that last one).

The discomfort and annoyance you’re feeling right now that these issues, which perhaps don’t directly affect you, are being discussed openly and unapologetically is a tiny, miniscule amount of the discomfort and fear people like me, other POC, people who are LGBTQ, people who are disabled, immigrants and more feel on a daily basis with no respite or reprieve.

Maybe, instead of complaining that that subject matter is tiring or annoying or allegedly inappropriate for the outlet it’s being published on, you could take some time to investigate why so many people feel it’s absolutely necessary and essential to talk about this subject matter, especially on a venue you think wouldn’t have such a scope of coverage to begin with.

Batman the Horse > mkbruin, Atlas VP 11/16/2016 at 11:57

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Politics affects every aspect of life including how cars are designed, manufactured, sold and enjoyed. You got soundly drubbed on the FP for your ridiculousness and you won’t find any quarter here, either.

unclevanos (Ovaltine Jenkins) > not for canada - australian in disguise 11/16/2016 at 12:00

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you’re a poo then

My citroen won't start > Batman the Horse 11/16/2016 at 12:10

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How can you be both man and bat, and also a horse?

(Also, yes)

crowmolly > mkbruin, Atlas VP 11/16/2016 at 12:11

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If there has been a shift in the editorial direction, does the editorial staff have a responsibility (not requirement) to pen an open letter to announce or discuss?

No.

They don’t owe us shit. Content choice is theirs and theirs alone. This election has sent a shockwave through the entire country and for many people the threats coming out of the new administration are very real. Many of the commenters on all of the FPs and sub-blogs are affected (or will be affected) by policy changes that strip away rights, both human and otherwise.

Activism is necessary to protect those rights. It is easy to say “stick to cars” or “stick to sports” if you are not a member of a threatened group. Activism and calls to action are ways to fight for what people believe in.

In the case of Gizmodo Media, I expect members of the press to fight for the first amendment the same way the NRA fights to protect the second.

Pickup_man > Xyl0c41n3 11/16/2016 at 12:14

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Discussion is one thing, but what I see happening is not discussion, it’s open and blatant attacks, from every side. That’s the shit that everyone is tired of. I’m more than happy to have a calm rational discussion about policies, viewpoints etc. but as soon as someone starts name calling or spewing incoherent bullshit I’m gonna Nope right the fuck outta there. If you ask me I’d say rationality and common courtesy are dead which is why I usually avoid any politically orientated discussion whatsoever.

vondon302 > mkbruin, Atlas VP 11/16/2016 at 12:16

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Nice try but I think it’s too soon.The we need to take sides comment is proof of that. I thought the election was when you got to chose sides. I didn’t vote trump but my Clinton vote was most distastful. Politician’s lie and cheat on both sides of the aisle and journalists have bias. It’s just the world we live in.

wiffleballtony > TheHondaBro 11/16/2016 at 12:23

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So the shit is multiplicative, not additive? That explains a lot.

crowmolly > wiffleballtony 11/16/2016 at 12:28

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y=mx+ SHIT

Xyl0c41n3 > Pickup_man 11/16/2016 at 12:28

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Not everyone is tired of it. And when the racism and bigotry from our newly-elected leader(s) is blatant and unapologetic then the outcry against it should be just as loud, if not louder. I refuse to let the bigotry that dehumanizes me become normalized.

Pickup_man > Xyl0c41n3 11/16/2016 at 12:35

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The only people who aren’t tired of it, are the people who actively participate in it.

You definitely shouldn’t let the bigotry that dehumanizes you become normalized, I agree %100 on that, but fighting hate and bigotry with even more hate and bigotry doesn’t strike me as a very effective way to accomplish anything. ¯\_()_/¯

Sir_Stig: and toxic masculinity ruins the party again. > EL_ULY 11/16/2016 at 12:42

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Don’t come around here with that half baked shit! I demand a crisp outer layer!

Sir_Stig: and toxic masculinity ruins the party again. > vondon302 11/16/2016 at 12:45

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Especially journalists based in a large city, which almost always skew liberal.

Xyl0c41n3 > Pickup_man 11/16/2016 at 12:56

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Nope. The only ones who aren’t tired of it are the people who stand to be (further) marginalized.

Pickup_man > Xyl0c41n3 11/16/2016 at 13:03

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Again, standing up and fighting for your rights = good. Spewing just as much hate and discontent towards those who disagree with you = not good and will only alienate them further and create a bigger divide. These are two drastically different things, one of them is refreshing and encouraging to see, the other is tiring, accomplishes nothing, and is equivalent to a fight between toddlers.

EL_ULY > Sir_Stig: and toxic masculinity ruins the party again. 11/16/2016 at 13:10

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mmmmmm!

Xyl0c41n3 > Pickup_man 11/16/2016 at 13:16

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Again, it is not for you to say what is or isn’t an appropriate way for people to speak up and speak out. You don’t get to decide that. When you’re more concerned with the tone people are using to decry injustice or bigotry than you are with what they are protesting, that’s a problem. It’s derailing

B/Xmrrmvr > crowmolly 11/16/2016 at 13:21

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With the way Gawker Media bloggers talk about Julian Assange, I trust Gawker Media to fight for the 1st Amendment the way the NRA fights for the 2nd Amendment when black people are involved.

Pickup_man > Xyl0c41n3 11/16/2016 at 13:36

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I’m not telling people what they can and can’t do, I’m simply giving my opinion as to what I find acceptable. I was raised to show common decency and respect, even to those I disagree with, and by the looks of things a large portion of this country wasn’t. I’m not more concerned with the tone people are using than the injustices themselves, but the constant temper tantrum bullshit is getting old and making me loose interest, fast. I’m more than happy to work with and fight with those who feel that they’ve been wronged, but if they want my help we’re going to go about it like adults, not a bunch of pre-teens and toddlers.

Scimitar7 > mkbruin, Atlas VP 11/16/2016 at 13:44

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Honestly, the only real fix is to stop visiting the front page and get your car related entertainment elsewhere. I say this because that’s what I had to do. Jalopnik always weighed in on politics in the past, but it WAS typically a more neutral approach. The only political name-calling I recall was when we had Ray LaHood as Secretary of Transportation or when Congress passed an anti-Jalop bill into law. These instances have never been a big deal because they were usually non partisan, and the community as a whole was united.

What’s going on here is almost certainly a combination of the Gawker Media buyout and the highly divisive run up to the election. I think Ballaban was unprofessional in the way he replied to you, but one probably couldn’t expect much different when most of what’s being posted these days has some sort of anti-Trump content. That’s probably not going to stop any time soon (or ever) when the majority of authors, editors, and commenters supported the losing side. That said, the choice becomes “live with it” or “leave”. I tried option A for a little while and decided that things are too hot right now - so I look for alternatives to Jalopnik, Gizmodo, and Lifehacker for a little while until cooler heads prevail.

Xyl0c41n3 > Pickup_man 11/16/2016 at 13:45

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!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

followed by:

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

You just contradicted yourself, dude.

Trying to put limitations on the modes of protest people choose to use is the height of privilege. You’re “happy to work with” only people who satisfy your criteria for having and validly expressing a complaint? That’s bullshit. Your “help” shouldn’t be dependent on whether or not someone says “please” and “thank you,” it should happen because it’s the right thing to do.

Pickup_man > Xyl0c41n3 11/16/2016 at 14:17

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So I’m not allowed to disagree with how people are acting and this automatically gives me privilege? Ok /s. We all have ideas on how things should or shouldn’t be done, claiming otherwise like you are is what is bullshit. If I don’t feel that a particular type of behavior is acceptable I will not help to promote that behavior, claiming that you would act any differently is an outright lie.

Clearly I’m not getting my point across, which is why I keep away from political discussions in the first place, so I’ll leave it at this, we agree to disagree on the way things are being handled. I will continue to work towards what I feel is right, and I know you will do the same. Despite what you may think we do have the same end goals in mind, the way in which we accomplish those goals may be different, but in the end we are working towards the same thing.

Phatboyphil > crowmolly 11/16/2016 at 14:18

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But they’re not doing any activism, just name calling, which isn’t helping anything.

Yes it’s their right to politisize their articles, but it’s still off-topic and extremely redundant when more politically focused blogs (Like Jez) are doing it already.

IMO political content on non political sites shoul be inverse of the general public. When politics are hot, like right now, let it be a place people can escape it. And when it’s not, allow some non-partison politics in.

Xyl0c41n3 > Pickup_man 11/16/2016 at 14:22

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No, we’re not working towards the same thing. If we were, you’d understand a little bit better the frustration, anger, and hurt that leads disenfranchised people to lose their patience and speak/protest/act in ways you deign to think are juvenile. You’d understand it better and you’d stop caring more about their tone than their struggle.

scoob > TheHondaBro 11/16/2016 at 14:30

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show side show shit?

TheHondaBro > scoob 11/16/2016 at 14:33

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IT’S MULTIPLICATIVE YOU CAN REARRANGE

scoob > TheHondaBro 11/16/2016 at 14:34

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shit side show shit?

Pickup_man > Xyl0c41n3 11/16/2016 at 14:36

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You keep being your judgmental self, go ahead and continue to assume you know me and what I feel is right, keep on isolating people who genuinely want to help, keep on brushing off others opinions as to how they feel things should be done, continue to be obstinate and thick headed, and ignore that fact that someone may have a different opinion than your own. Let me know how that works out for you.

I don’t even remotely claim that I know or fully understand the frustration, anger, and hurt that these people are feeling, but I do realize that there is a problem that needs fixed, and am willing to help in fixing that problem, but I do not agree with the way things are being handled and will not participate in behavior that I feel is immature and unacceptable.

TheHondaBro > scoob 11/16/2016 at 14:36

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!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

scoob > TheHondaBro 11/16/2016 at 14:38

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cout << hourlyHondaBroFacts;

TheHondaBro > scoob 11/16/2016 at 14:41

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scoob > TheHondaBro 11/16/2016 at 14:42

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/catfacts

crowmolly > Phatboyphil 11/16/2016 at 14:45

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Regarding activism, I was speaking generally and not specifically about the operations of GMG. However even then there are some articles and posts that are calls for action. Or ways to digest what’s going on to move forward.

You’re absolutely right that name calling doesn’t accomplish much, aside from maybe catharsis. In this case GMG is liberal so it’s Trump bashing. On the other side it’s “Killary” this and “Shillary” that. Just going for emotional reactions I guess.

The auto industry is filled with politics and is also a very big part of our economy. Like it or not, the two are intertwined.

Today’s article about Ford taking a stand is completely applicable to today’s climate. As are discussions regarding trade balance and tariffs. And EPA standards, fuel economy, and alternative fuel/power sources. If the Trump administration puts the boots to the auto industry I’d expect to see something written about it. I don’t give two shits about an Alfa Romeo SUV if there are talks of ruining factory supply chains.

Xyl0c41n3 > Pickup_man 11/16/2016 at 14:48

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And again, you don’t get to decide that the way people choose to cry out is valid or not.

Pickup_man > Xyl0c41n3 11/16/2016 at 14:52

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k

Tristan > Sir_Stig: and toxic masculinity ruins the party again. 11/16/2016 at 15:00

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Hitler liked crisp outer layers on his cookies, you racist, misogynist bigot!

Too much?

Xyl0c41n3 > Pickup_man 11/16/2016 at 15:11

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LongbowMkII > B/Xmrrmvr 11/16/2016 at 15:14

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If you think Assange is someone to be emulated I have an Ecuadorian embassy to sell you.

Sir_Stig: and toxic masculinity ruins the party again. > Tristan 11/16/2016 at 15:15

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Everyone knows Hitler hated cookies ever since the olympics, too many types that are dark and have mixed ingredients. He only liked locally sourced strudel, with blueberries.

LongbowMkII > Sir_Stig: and toxic masculinity ruins the party again. 11/16/2016 at 15:17

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You should be imprisoned. Baking cookies is cruel.

#rawcookiedoughparty

LongbowMkII > Pickup_man 11/16/2016 at 15:18

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Calling someone a Cheeto is not the same as bigotry... immature, yes. Unproductive, yes. Causing actual harm, no.

Pickup_man > LongbowMkII 11/16/2016 at 15:29

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Didn’t say that it was? but agreed.

There’s a lot more happening that simply calling someone a Cheeto though.

Sir_Stig: and toxic masculinity ruins the party again. > LongbowMkII 11/16/2016 at 15:32

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The cruelty makes them taste so much better though. Not saying I’m not going to clean off the beaters though.

LongbowMkII > Pickup_man 11/16/2016 at 15:44

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Discussion is a two way street. Discussing with people who have no interest in objective facts or compromise doesn’t help anything. Personally and politically.

LongbowMkII > Sir_Stig: and toxic masculinity ruins the party again. 11/16/2016 at 15:45

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You can’t have it both ways heretic.

Damnit I want cookies now.

Pickup_man > LongbowMkII 11/16/2016 at 16:14

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Agreed, %100.

Sir_Stig: and toxic masculinity ruins the party again. > LongbowMkII 11/16/2016 at 16:18

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!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

B/Xmrrmvr > LongbowMkII 11/16/2016 at 16:32

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I’m listening.

Xyl0c41n3 > scoob 11/16/2016 at 16:48

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Cat Fact 19: Your cat recognizes your voice but just acts too cool to care (probably because they are).

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Textured Soy Protein 11/16/2016 at 17:33

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“(insert epithet here).”

An ex-girlfriend?

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > CalzoneGolem 11/16/2016 at 17:35

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Cool!

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Gamecat235 11/16/2016 at 17:37

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It makes you a member of Slytherin

B/Xmrrmvr > LongbowMkII 11/16/2016 at 18:13

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B/Xmrrmvr > LongbowMkII 11/16/2016 at 18:17

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Seriously, can you tell me your reasoning? Ignoring “fairness” issues, the Russians, sexual assault allegations, and any character smears.

LongbowMkII > B/Xmrrmvr 11/16/2016 at 18:20

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For what? Voting for Hillary?

B/Xmrrmvr > LongbowMkII 11/16/2016 at 18:26

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Replied to the wrong post and no, I’ve heard too many reasons for her and none of them are really that enthusiastic other than the “identity politics” reason.

Gamecat235 > Manwich - now Keto-Friendly 11/16/2016 at 18:41

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Dammit! I already bought all my gear in Hufflepuff colors.

Does this mean I can learn Parseltongue?

nermal > CalzoneGolem 11/16/2016 at 19:45

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The issue is the bias and name calling used. An in depth editorial on Ford / GM / FCAs manufacturing plants in Mexico and Canada, and how they could be affected by changes to NAFTA would be an interesting read in addition to being extremely relevant.

On the flip side, “Ford tells Soon To Be President / Cheeto With Pomeranian On Head Trump to stuff it regarding Mexico production” doesn’t really accomplish much.

It’s like 12 year olds trying to impress other 12 year olds while playing online first-person-shooter games by hurling obscenities revolving the other player’s mother’s promiscuity. The one doing the talking thinks they are cool, but nobody else does.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Gamecat235 11/16/2016 at 19:56

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Only if you become a Dark Lord... or his Nemesis...

MM54 > mkbruin, Atlas VP 11/16/2016 at 20:52

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I’ve noticed it getting pretty bad, at this point I pretty much am only reading Torch’s articles.