Prometheus 6

I voted before seeing the results, and somehow I am glad nobody suggested to "Ignore them" (only four votes so far, though). For the purpose of education, I guess a rational explanation that doesn't need to be repeated over and over again is the best option.

(I really did hesitate some time between that and the mockery, though.)

(I really did hesitate some time between that and the mockery, though.)

I didn't...this very poll is proof.

Seriously, I suppose I could write a FAQ that does both... 

Personally, I would certainly enjoy such a FAQ, precisely because of this mixing of styles (rational clarity coupled with humour), but I am skeptical about its efficiency toward the kind of commenters you refer to: don't you think those who reach the point to accuse you of racism are the same who would find any kind of nit to pick even with a clear-as-day, step by step FAQ, claiming that you didn't answer any of their questions?

The typical illustration would be that Neo-Conf supporter you ended up banning from here back in the days: he was obviously getting a kick out of trying your patience (apparently, he still has a throne over at Blogcritics).

I see ignoring, mocking and explaining as three levels of a gradual reaction, not three separate, unique reactions to the same behaviour. The order may vary (even "ignoring" can come first, then you "explain", mockingly or not, if they come back), but you always have to stop at some point, either because they got it, or because you can see they never will or simply don't want to.

you always have to stop at some point, either because they got it, or because you can see they never will or simply don't want to.

True.  

This system doesn't actually track who voted which way, but I'm willing to bet the "Ignore" vote is DW.

Is your intent to prompt at least part of them to self-reflect, or is your intent to feel you've successfully deflected an incoming pile of crap?

Both are reasonable goals given the terms, but they're somewhat incompatible.

I have no real goal...since I annoy them by my very existence I figure I should be as efficient about it as possible.

I can have a goal, though...as reasonable as I am, exposing the sort of comments I get could be useful in convincing Black folks not to expect anything from the mainstream types. They can be poster children.

Ok. I flipped a quarter. Heads was mock them. Tails was explain. I had ruled out silently being pissed off.

Tails won. 

Mock! Mercilessly. Publicly.

This system doesn't actually track who voted which way, but I'm willing to bet the "Ignore" vote is DW.

I just saw this, or I would have reacted before.

For one thing, the context of the voted on question arrives in two separate envelopes.  The headline suggests a broad context, including say a guy on the street.  The third answer clarifies that we're talking about someone who is posting on this forum. 

Given that it's your effort and money which makes this forum available, and given the nature of your message, I'd never suggest that allowing such a posting without comment would be expected.

But even if it were my forum, I wouldn't expect you to let something like that go by.  More to the point, if it were me, I'd far rather be confronted than to have you silently pissed off at me.