Posted by trouble on March 3, 2002, at 17:24:40
Hey y'all,
This is my present take on the civility policy:
When I first started readin PSB and saw *&%#$! substituted for letters in curse words I thought is was the sweetest and saddest thing I'd ever seen in my life.
Later, upon learning that this practice was linked to the blocking policy my reaction was,
wouldn't you know it, just when we think we're free and equal human beings here comes The Man to straighten our wig out.
It seemed a natural reaction, given that the curse words are instantly recognizable despite the * so its use defies logic. So what's it there for, if not a demonstration of power and authority.Lou and others' emphasis on this being a big deal about out American heritage speaks to me. Crude irreverence may not be the best or most significant aspect of the American character, but it is the most fun. And we do it well, see H.L. Mencken, Jon Stewart, SeanPenn, Dorothy Parker, Don Rickles, David Letterman and Courtney Love, to name a few of my own favorites.
But non-compliance w/the PSB policy was never an option for me, so I dutifully "disguise" the naughty bits. Now every time I type an asterick into the eff word I am reminded that there are people in the world who are so different from me, that they could appreciate a gesture like this. It's such a small thing! How I can make someone react positively or negatively by how I go about something I didn't realize was anything to them one way or another! Hmmm... I still don't get it, but rather than arguing w/ it I feel a sense of wonder. My lack of understanding suggests that I am the one who has more to learn, not the other way around.
It's a seed planted, whether I know it or not, that I have an impact on my surroundings, and whether Dr. Bob intended that result or not, HIS rule has had an impact on ME, and it seems so nuanced and strangely connected, just imagine going around, doing good, w/out being particularly deliberate about it. I've been doing the opposite for so long I see no reason this other side can't become a new way of life, I really don't.
Anyway, I have read so very many theoretical posts about the civility policy that I'm becoming interested in hearing a more personal account from those who are so inclined.
Thanks, trouble
poster:trouble
thread:19162
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20020223/msgs/19162.html