Posted by raisinb on January 22, 2009, at 10:17:26
In reply to OK so this is real bad, but it a start I s'pose, posted by muffled on January 16, 2009, at 12:17:17
I have refrained from entering this controversy, and I'm probably going to regret it now. I also hope what I'm about to post is not uncivil.
But I have to agree with Muffled. Blocks, as far as I can tell, are meant to prevent people from feeling "accused or put down." They aren't meant to make the blocked person feel accused or put down at all. They're meant to keep this community safe for as many people as possible.
It really sucks, but is inevitable, I think that one person's ability to express their feelings conflicts with others' feelings of safety. That's a conflict that occurs in any diverse community where people attempt to coexist, not just Babble. Even in the U.S., where free speech is usually sacred, certain forms of speech aren't protected absolutely because they can threaten others' welfare.
Not necessarily that they *do*--just that the imperfect humans who try to enforce the rules feel that they *can.*
Usually the rules (or laws) try to protect the welfare of many over the feelings of a few. That isn't necessarily right. But neither is the alternative. And in situations like this I don't think there is any absolute right or wrong. Just people trying to meet their responsibilities as they understand them.
It really sucks that so many people are upset and feel punished by these blocks and PBCs. I wish it were otherwise.
Sometimes when I visit these threads I feel like a little kid with parents who fight. I want to say "stop!" so that my safe space can be peaceful again. But I know there are many hurt feelings involved and these issues need to be worked through. I'd just like us all to remember how important Babble is to us and that the important thing is that it survives and continues to be a safe, supportive place. It can't be safe and supportive for everyone, all the time, because people's needs conflict. That is just how it is in a diverse community.
Peace to everyone.
poster:raisinb
thread:874332
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20081228/msgs/875421.html