Posted by SLS on February 16, 2009, at 7:29:23
In reply to Civility, posted by fayeroe on February 15, 2009, at 21:34:57
> Why do we spend so damned much time on it?
Rightly or wrongly, I think it is because we are denied freedom of speech here, and many people feel that they would like to express more of their thoughts and feelings than what they are allowed to. It is frustrating.
Many posters ask to be shown some detailed guideline to circumscribe the language allowed for the sake of understanding. Of course, it doesn't work that way. Language is just too big for such a prescription. Therefore, rulings of civility are made ad hoc and often seem unfair. I feel singled out sometimes when I am given a PBC, and sometimes when someone else is not. It is like receiving a slap on the wrist to be viewed around the world.
I remember how choked I felt when the civility thing was first implemented. I almost left.
Speech is a very personal thing. I would prefer if it were not judged and sanctioned by an authority. However, I know my capacity for incivility as it is defined here, and all in all, I think the restrictions have had a positive outcome.
I do sometimes lament my inability to take my tongue out for some exercise every now and then. Holding it has become an exercise in and of itself. I think I have learned more about an alternate use of language here that is often more effective than swinging a sharp object at people during a conflict of beliefs.
- Scott
poster:SLS
thread:880382
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/admin/20081228/msgs/880447.html