I just logged on and saw this new thread; and my firstreaction was to log onto chat to see what would happen. It is a great way to increase the users in Chat and goes to our natural tendencies to challenge boundaries.
Remembering the old Dizpins censorship, I typed an inquiryon whom liked the Disney character Dick Tracy. Nothing happened. Also mentioned Mary Poppin’s actor and Disney legend, Dick van Dyke. Nothing happened, (Back in the old Dizpinstime both actor and character would disappear under random characters). Moved onto the Bond Girl / villain , ***** Galore. Again, nothing happened.
So full of killing cat curiosity, I read through thisthread. And, especially occurring onAmerican’s Independence Day (a day dedicated to celebrate the American spiritof freedom), I found the thread quite ironically chilling. I suppose it occurring on September 17 might be more apropos, but I digress.
I find this new censorship folly disturbing. To be perfectly blunt, it fails at its apparent goal of keeping Chat safe. Anyone with a half of brain can undermine the censor program with a simple juxtaposition and/or substitution of letters – i.e., fcuk or a$$. These terms make it quite clear what the author means (unless, of course they are discussing French fashion).
Furthermore, it takes the responsible of acting reasonably away from the user and puts it into the hands of the programmer; therefore substituting the users’ belief what is proper decorum to that of the programmers. I personally believe that is wrong on a number of levels.
As shown above, others might be offended by fictional characters like Mr. Tracy or Ms. Galore; others might not. You might find the term shark offensive; but if you live in San Francisco bay area there is a good chance they are your hockey team.
What about cursing? My god, ‘swounds! There is a time where that sentence might have gotten me excommunicated at best. Times change though.
I can continue with examples, but there numerous booksfilled with the threats and folly of censorship.
Therefore, I will simply retreat to my old standby. As my posting signature block stated onDizpins and other websites:
"Restriction of free thought and free speech is themost dangerous of all subversions. It is the one un-American act that couldmost easily defeat us." -- Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas,"The One Un-American Act." Nieman Reports, vol. 7, no. 1 (Jan. 1953) p. 20.
"It's not just the books under fire now that worry me.It is the books that will never be written. The books that will never be read.And all due to the fear of censorship. As always, young readers will be thereal losers." -- Judy Blume
We have already seen this happen here; please don’t make mestart celebrating Banned Book Week again!
kajtdd
537 to go.