a note on comments, particularly those of a hateful flavour
March 7, 2007 by thinking girl
As y’all know, this is a feminist space. Over the past several months, readership of this blog has increased significantly, for which I am humbled and grateful. I’ve met so many great people who have contributed to the discourse here, who have asked interesting and challenging questions, and who have opposed and argued with me about stuff. All of which is great; as I have said in my About page, this blog exists to promote dialogue and discussion.
I want to promote dialogue among all kinds of people, but I also want to ensure that this is a space that gives voice to those whose viewpoint is not enshrined in dominant cultural discourses of hegemonic white hetero male supremacy. I want this space to be a place where we can talk about stuff with friends and allies that will feel like a safe space for those who are marginalized. And so I have said I won’t tolerate racist, misogynist, heterosexist/homophobic, classist, ableist slurs.
I realize this limits freedom of speech. But I don’t believe free speech is the most important value to uphold. I believe that people’s lives, experiences, and feelings should come before some asshat’s self-aggrandizing oppressive bullshit. I also realize that sometimes it is helpful to shine a light on just how far we have to go in fighting these oppressive attitudes. But, again, I don’t want anyone’s experience here to be one of hate. There is plenty of that out there in the world, and if you are a hater of the above-mentioned variety, there are plenty of places to spew your bilous vitriole among like-minded asshats, so go there and knock yourselves out.
This comes up because tonight, I chose not to approve a comment that was clearly misogynist. I do not want someone like that being permitted access to this space, and I would be terribly upset if someone were to stumble upon a comment like that and feel paralyzed by it. Just today I experienced something like that in one of the classes that I have paid almost $700 to attend and gain insight and instruction, and I no longer felt comfortable or safe in my learning environment. Words have the ability to cut deeply into someone’s soul, and I don’t want any part of that kind of hatred here.
So, in the interests of full disclosure, I thought I should let you all know. Hopefully this won’t happen too often. But, I guess I could look at it that something about this blog has been threatening to someone whose power matrix may be shifting. A sign that maybe feminism is getting its message across?
I encourage everyone to please read the Discussion page, if you haven’t already, even if you’ve been commenting here for a while. And bear it in mind before you hit that submit button.
thank you for your attention, back to our regularly scheduled patriarchy-busting program.
I think this is related to the concept of “hostile environment.” Someone who goes to someone else’s ‘blog, which is that second person’s space, and intentionally tries to create a hostile environment should be shown the way out. You just want to maintain a respectful environment in your space, and that is appropriate.
Clio - Thank you - yeah, exactly. I don’t want this to be a hostile environment for anyone, including myself. Freedom of speech isn’t the be-all end-all right-above-rights. I kinda think respect is.
It’s also due to the anonymity of the internet. Any old John or Jane Smith can leave a comment, without any real recourse. I know people must leave names, emails, etc in order to be published…however, there’s something to say for the effect of in-person public scrutiny when discussions are going on. I doubt these idiots leaving racist posts would even try to do such a thing in an in-person group discussion around the lunch table, at an office, or even in bar/pub for that matter — and risk being shouted at, ostracized, isolated, etc . Just imagine if some of the discussions we were having on this site were at a round table…and the occasional person would hear it, walk up, and shout a racial comment, sexist, etc. I just wouldn’t happen. The majority of people in these situations are constrained by natural socialization and social scrutiny.
The internet is great for allowing free flowing everything: speech, information, communication, etc. But beyond the occasional ‘flaming’, it lacks the scrutiny and consequences that bind individual responsibility as seen in regular social life.
I think way too many people make the mistake of assuming that blog comment sections have anything to do with free speech. Your blog isn’t a government entity. It’s your “home,” and you’ve invited us to your party. If someone starts acting rude at your party you have a right (some would say a duty) to throw the bum out. Free speech has nada, zero, zip, zilch to do with it. Anyone craving free speech can start their own blog (except in certain countries of the world where there actually ARE online free speech limitations).
I heard someone say once “Freedom of speech is important, but you still can’t scream FIRE in a crowded movie theatre”.
Also, when you’re typing a comment, or email, or instant message, there is no context. You can hit “enter” so quickly that you have no time to think about what you’re saying. I know that in a middle school that I worked at, they had a lot of trouble with kids just because of that one thing …. too much MSN, not enough parental supervision and a lot of misunderstanding because there is no context.
Way to speak out, ThinkgingGirl! The question of Safety, Space, the Public, and furthermore Safe Space is a challenge, especially virtually! I’m glad you opted to not post the comment instead of, for example, replying to the comment and thus perhaps starting a “comment war!” The construction of identity in a virtual space/virtual spaces is equally as challenging as constructing identity in real-live space! Boundaries and “saying” or “posting” your boundaries is about preserving and demarcating this feminist space!
Keep it up!!
But, I guess I could look at it that something about this blog has been threatening to someone whose power matrix may be shifting. A sign that maybe feminism is getting its message across?
I think this is an excellent way to look at it. You can celebrate the fact that you’re being heard, and it’s pissing some people off!
That is a problem I have faced. I am a passionate libertarian–and actually believe that with free speech–the truth wins out in the end. But then come the outright slurs. I tend to think they should be left–so true ignorance can be identified. But, some of it I don’t want sitting around–its like leaving dog poop in the middle of the living room.
I have not had a lot of problems cos even though I am a feminist softball player–some of my politics are wingnut right enough the Dumb Young White Guys avoid slamming me. Besides I’m sweet
But, I do know the problem you are talking about–and it does come up and bothers me when I do have to censor.
~Becky
HI all,
thanks for the supportive comments, everyone. I couldn’t agree more: this is MY space, even though it’s a virtual one, and I get to make the rules. simple as that. And imagine, you know, if someone came across a hateful comment as the last in a thread (before I or someone else had the chance to respond) - or worse, it went by without my being able to get to it for a couple days and the commenter thought that his dirty tactic had worked to shut down the discussion, and thought it might be a good idea to use that kind of tactic in real life as well? Both are scenarios I can’t live with.
oh, and welcome to newcomers: Elayne and Becky, and welcome back Robyn and J!
What you should do Jenn is save up all the terrible comments….and put them into one big post…just indicative of the idiots out there. Also, publish their email addresses too in that same post… shaming works really well.
What you should do Jenn is save up all the terrible comments….and put them into one big post…a throwback to all the idiots out there. Also, publish their email addresses too in that same post… shaming works really well.
Oops, did I echo there?
Thinkingirl
I think you referred to my comment. It was supposed to be a joke. I did not want to hurt you.
I am sorry if I have.
Yes this is your space and maintain it the way you want.
Peace.
Dave - hmmm…. I dunno. something to think about!
mad guy - yes, indeed, it was your comment I was upset by and chose not to approve. I accept your apology, and thank you for being big enough to own up and offer it.
Jenn> Yeah, some interesting things happen when people’s real name gets posted with something they don’t want published…
http://www.metafilter.com/54614/Sex-baiting-on-craigslist
Dave - YIKES!
btw, you might want to check out the last couple of comments on this thread. do you know anything about this? what do you think?