I’ve had this debate before and was unable to come to a conclusion. It seems to me that any criticism, no matter how valid, could be characterized as harassment.
What do you guys think?
Is there a heuristic for determining which one a statement is?
Does everything just exist on a continuum between the two?
Is this harassment?

  • ThannOP
    11·
    3 years ago

    Hitler was a bad guy

    Criticism or harassment?

    • stopit
      4·
      3 years ago

      Without sounding too simple…I would say this is simply fact.

      • ThannOP
        2·
        3 years ago

        I think that statements of fact can be harassment in the right forum.

        • stopit
          2·
          3 years ago

          maybe the philosophy is going over my head here! I can admit the limitations on my intelligence, it is one of my good qualities.
          I guess anything can be harassment if the person feels so…If someone tells you they’re not open to criticism, then move on and keep opinions to yourself…Although, we’re using Hitler as an example, there is also a moral obligation when one is literally hurting people to criticize. I may not be expressing myself properly…but I am trying!

          • ThannOP
            2·
            3 years ago

            I guess anything can be harassment if the person feels so

            This would mean harassment is purely subjective. I think its a perfectly legitimate answer, and means my question is moot.

            here is also a moral obligation when one is literally hurting people to criticize.

            Yeah, I agree, the question of harassment is overshadowed by public interest.

            • stopit
              2·
              3 years ago

              yes and no…for example, I previously worked at a corporate job…mostly thought it sucked, but their definition of harassment is when you continue expressing something to someone who tells you they don’t want it. I agree with this. If someone is truly bad - there are ways to report it.

              I guess when I think of criticism, I think of something I am doing that I want to get better at and need criticism…with suggestions that I can use.

              • ThannOP
                1·
                3 years ago

                I agree with you that, bringing something up after someone told you they don’t want to talk about it, is generally harassment. But again there is the question of public interest.

                If someone is bringing the company/country down, it could be for the “greater good” to reiterate criticism.

                • stopit
                  2·
                  3 years ago

                  But…if someone doesn’t want your criticism and is bringing the company down - there is usually an avenue to report it - it’s not always adequate but at the same time, criticizing someone that is not open to it, isn’t adequate either. Real conundrum! (is that a word?)