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Misnomer Jones
3 is the magic number
Join date: 27 Jan 2003
Posts: 1,800
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05-02-2003 10:12
From: someone So, within the limited considerations given to corporations who need to remain financially viable, we need to tolerate a very wide range of expression. We don't have to tolerate unreasonable behavior, and certainly can't accept illegal behavior or speech - such as hate speech - but we do have to tolerate basic American Free Speech. The above quote came from a post in the New World Notes thread. I thought it deserved its own heading & discussion. Hate speech. It is something that is certianly ambiguous, especially from the speakers viewpoint. However talking about it is often difficult when it occurs because of heightened emotions surrounding it. There is also a risk of stigma from standing up against it. (If I tell you saying something bad is "gay", especially if I am male, is not a good reference then I may become a target for bashing even if Im not gay). What are your thoughts on hate speech? Does it exist in SL? What is and isnt Hate speech? How do we define it? What should or shouldnt be done about it? I'm interested in dialog on this |
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Raven Electric
Registered User
Join date: 1 Apr 2003
Posts: 32
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05-05-2003 07:27
Oooh, I love these types of conversations!
I personally haven't encountered much of any speech I'd deem offensive in SL. Granted I haven't haunted a lot of social events etc, however, its not something I've really seen.
As for what defines "hate speech."
To me hate speech is anything said that is obviously meant to goad someone into anger. With the specific term you mentioned, it's unfortunate that the whole "gay" connotation has become synonymous in parts of our culture as a negative. However, to the person who doesn't perceive said slang as offensive, in my perception, it becomes "hate speech" the moment they continue to use said speech after being told it is offensive.
The fact is, we live in continuously changing times. With the advent of the internet, instant messaging etc, communication is a lot more open today than it was 30 years ago. And a lot of the barriers of hatred are breaking down, even if it is very slow. Can we expect people to change overnight? No. Should we expect them to change? Yes! But, the truth is, until someone has it shoved in their face, or even politely pointed out, that they're methods of expression are offensive, they will not get the message.
The most important thing we can do, in this day and age is educate people about mistakes that have been made in the past. Because, if we don't and they do not understand those mistakes, we are doomed to repeat them.
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