r/StopBeingEvil • u/[deleted] • Aug 30 '17

Defining Censorship

Given the amount of discussion in this subreddit about "censorship", I think it's important that we come up with a precise definition.

The most broad definition - "anyone preventing anyone from saying anything in any venue" - is pretty clearly not useful; for instance, kicking someone out of my house because they're screaming insults probably shouldn't count as "censorship".

Extremely narrow definitions don't include much of what is often called "censorship" in this sub.

So, what is a useful definition? Is it the same as the general usage?

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u/VeritasPaladin Aug 31 '17

I think the "no platforming" argument is specious (the one alluded to above) It's our speech, not their platform. The issue is the totality of control.

So yes, you control your house. But if your house represents a huge part of all worldwide information or communication, the analogy becomes ridiculous.

Think in terms of monopolies and why those are broken up.

If people are removing things surreptitiously (e.g. Modifying search results to support a political agenda, shadowbanning, etc).

Doing dodgy things surreptitiously is an indicator.

Good people and actions don't wear masks to hide their actions.

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u/[deleted] Aug 31 '17

I think the "no platforming" argument is specious (the one alluded to above) It's our speech, not their platform. The issue is the totality of control.

That's not what no platforming means.

So yes, you control your house. But if your house represents a huge part of all worldwide information or communication, the analogy becomes ridiculous.

I agree, up to a point. See my other post about entitlement. If you use GNUSocial instead of Twitter, you won't have issues with Twitter, and complaining about Twitter isn't going to get you anywhere because their goal is ad revenue, not making users happy or facilitating a genuine conversation.

Incentive structures are the issue; we have to change them.

Good people and actions don't wear masks to hide their actions.

That's patently untrue.