A surprising number of people ask us a seemingly simple question. Why are we here? What is the purpose of /r/PurplePillDebate? The answer isn't as simple as the question.

PurplePillDebate exists because there was no place for Red Pillers and those critical of /r/TheRedPill to interact on a neutral playing field where they wouldn't be downvoted into the triple digits. The "purple" in our name does not suggest that the sub endorses a moderate point of view, nor does it validate one side or the other as having redeemable qualities. Our purpose is not to find some middle ground, but to discuss these issues like mature adults.

In the past, we have struggled to simultaneously attract people with a diverse ideological background. At first, the subreddit was dominated by individuals from /r/TheBluePill. Red Pillers were downvoted and constantly complained that Purple Pill Debate was not a safe space for them. More recently, as the subreddit has been dominated by those from /r/TheRedPill, it has become an unsafe space for those that oppose /r/TheRedPill.

This week, we will be instituting changes to make this a safe space for as many as we can. To maintain debate, you need two sides. To maintain two sides, the community needs matuity, fairness, and openness. To maintain the required atmosphere, circle-jerking and hostility will be discouraged and remove form the discussion.

Circle-jerking

Circle-jerking is anything that doesn't add to the debate. Every single comment and post should offer something beyond rhetoric. Strawman arguments are often a form of circle-jerking. Leading questions can be circle-jerking. Strings of comments that contribute no opposing opinions are circle-jerking.

Hostility and harassment

Hostility is anything that a reasonable person would consider hostile. This may be vague to some people, but it really isn't anything new. Attacking a person directly or indirectly is hostility. Harassment is sustained hostility.