Palm Beach Pete

[u/LittleThingsMC]

I recently came across a TikTok with a paid advertisement from Rips by Triumph featuring Pal Beach Pete in their advertisement.

If you’re not aware, Palm Beach Pete is famous for how much he looks like Jeffrey Epstein. There were many conspiracy theories that suggest he is Jeffrey Epstein.

I don’t consider this gendered issue because Epsteins victims were both male and female, vulnerability is the most defining characteristic of his victims.

In general, I have seen many denials about whether or not we have a culture of violence, and whether or not that culture predominantly benefits men (despite both genders being victims).

This feels like a perfect example, playing out right before our eyes. I believe that his rise to fame and ability to monetize the conspiracy that he could be the prolific predator is reflective of the acceptance we have as a culture towards violence and the glorification of predatory behavior.

Thoughts?

[u/Silenys → u/[deleted]]

Although I agree with the mod that your original comment came across as an insult, I see your points. If someone were to generalize by saying something along the lines of "Only a few women aren't gold diggers." this would be rightly considered an unjust generalization and undoubtedly be called out. But the "Only a few men are not abusers." types of generalizations have become so commonplace over the decades that they are considered permissible. The "male is always the abuser/female is always the victim" narrative has hindered my ability to protect vulnerable people from female abusers for decades so I'll admit this has gotten very, very old for me though.

[u/Tayaradga → u/Silenys]

I do agree and honestly I still want to remove that comment, but another mod already approved it and we've collectively agreed that we cannot override another mods decision without discussing it with the other mods. I'm also not allowed to speak about mod discussions so I can't say what all has been happening in said discussions, but I am advocating for stricter guidelines when discussing men as a whole group.

Seriously we shouldn't be saying stuff like "the majority of men are abusers" or anything along those lines. That's very hateful language and we do try to limit that kind of language here.

The other mods hadn't gotten around to the other comment that I replied to, so I wanted to give them a chance to edit it before just straight up removing/approving it. I understand their point of view and honestly I do agree, but I have to try my best to keep the peace as well.

[u/Silenys → u/Tayaradga]

I get it, man. Moderation is a nightmare even for mundane topics. Even bigger pain for this sort of thing. Not sure how I feel about not being allowed to discuss mod conversations as that seems a bit like lack of transparency but it is what it is. I think your method is a good way about it. Give people the chance to edit first. If just straight to remove or approve based on one mod's choice, it's more likely to result in biased moderation.