[ellopoppit]

>Should harming people with words be separate from harming people with actions?

Have you ever been physically assaulted, punched in the face, had your ribs broken, or been put in a strangle hold?

[jodrellblank]

Thankfully, I haven't. Telling someone who was physically assaulted that at least they weren't murdered isn't much comfort. If you're saying "the amount of harm they do is different", I agree. If you're saying "people can't be harmed by words", I disagree - especially at a population level; popularising and spreading of ideas that certain subgroups are subhuman has happened over and over in many countries and caused lots of harm. Punching someone is worse than calling them a moron, but bruises from childhood heal in weeks where verbal assault from childhood (e.g. by an abusive parent or teacher, as well as by peers) can still be hurting decades later with wider knock-on effects.

[toolz]

I think people very generally miss the very important subtlety that words never hurt people. It's the intention behind the words that hurt and you don't need words to communicate intent. So banning/censoring words really doesn't do much other than placate the people who just wanted to feel involved in changing the status quo.

Compare that to a punch to the face. It really doesn't matter if someone was just joking or angry with you, 150 psi to your jaw is going to do damage.

[wizofaus]

"Only someone who is so privileged as to have never been physically assaulted could think that it doesn't cause life long physiological and psychological damage"

Depends entirely on the degree and nature of the assault. I was beat up badly at school at least a few times, I'd dare suggest if anything it made me stronger, and certainly can't think of anything likely longterm damage it's caused. But I certainly don't presume it's the same for all kids.

[ellopoppit]

>bruises from childhood heal in weeks where verbal assault from childhood (e.g. by an abusive parent or teacher, as well as by peers) can still be hurting decades later with wider knock-on effects.

That's like saying physical damage from a rape will heal in weeks but verbal sexual harrassment can still be hurting decades later.

[anigbrowl]

Yes to all of those, and verbal attacks are often incitement or a precursor to physical attacks. I think anyone with security experience could summon numerous examples from memory.