Are controversial topics appropriate for the Cafe?

nethiker

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This post is in response to another thread in effort to stay on topic over there.

The concern presented was that controversial and or devisive topics (religion specifically) are not appropriate for underage CPF'ers as they may undermine the parents rights regarding how they raise their child. I hope I paraphrased that accuately, this is how I took the comment.

I feel that while this is a valid concern for parents, it is not the responsibility of a forum or it's members to censor content or refrain from controversial topics to protect a parents right to limit what information their child is exposed to. I believe this is a parents right--and their responsibility.

I think CPF does a good job of providing an exciting community appropriate for all ages. The internet presents unique challenges to parenting. I just think we need to change at home rather than trying to change others.

I don't mean to draw this out, I just wanted to respond without posting this in someone else's thread.

Greg

Moderator edit: link fixed.
 

Greta

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Greg... your link doesn't go anywhere. Please adjust?

And after I read what you are trying to reference, I'll comment... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 

raggie33

*the raggedier*
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i find people cant seem to do some topics with out being mature i say they belong below.
 

nethiker

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Re: Are controversial topics appropriate for the C

Sasha- pm sent, but then I realized you probably get quite a few. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

When I click on the link it goes to flashlights and Christianity pg. 3. I'm not sure how I should adjust the link?

raggie- I agree that some topics most definately belong below. This topic however is regarding a question someone had about people's sigs. Since the sigs in question are about religion, I think it is an appropriate thread for up here.

Just my opinion.

Greg
 

James S

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Re: Are controversial topics appropriate for the C

The topic may be appropriate, but if the discussion has degraded to a point where it's no longer appropriate then people are asked to take it underground. It's not the topic that is verboten, just that certain topics tend to bring out the worst in some people...
 

ACMarina

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Re: Are controversial topics appropriate for the C

Yeah, I'd think controversy isn't a bad thing, it's the bickering and namecalling that gets things locked up..
 

IlluminatingBikr

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Re: Are controversial topics appropriate for the C

I can't believe he is actually saying that. I mean are you going to censor everything controversial a child hears? Is that even possible? No, it's not, and I don't think it's a good idea either.

Parents have the ability to restrict what their children hear, but they shouldn't be deciding what the only things they hear are.

I think sharing ideas is a great thing, and it helps people to form new opinions and be exposed to things they are unfamiliar with.
 

flownosaj

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Re: Are controversial topics appropriate for the C

We must all live in a mindless world where the only exposeure to world events must deal with war, terrorism, drugs and TV violence. Oh yeah, I forgot the new XBox and PS2 games.

God help you if you mention religion...wouldn't want to affect some poor kid somewhere.

/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/rolleyes.gif
 

Greta

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Ok... I found what you were trying to reference. Let me see if I can address this in a comprehensive manner...

[ QUOTE ]
The concern presented was that controversial and or devisive topics (religion specifically) are not appropriate for underage CPF'ers as they may undermine the parents rights regarding how they raise their child.

[/ QUOTE ]

That's my take on it as well... so far we're on the same sheet of music... /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif

[ QUOTE ]
I feel that while this is a valid concern for parents, it is not the responsibility of a forum or it's members to censor content or refrain from controversial topics to protect a parents right to limit what information their child is exposed to. I believe this is a parents right--and their responsibility.

[/ QUOTE ]

TOTAL agreement!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/happy14.gif

[ QUOTE ]
I think CPF does a good job of providing an exciting community appropriate for all ages. The internet presents unique challenges to parenting. I just think we need to change at home rather than trying to change others.

[/ QUOTE ]

Again... total agreement! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/happy14.gif

Ok... so where does CPF stand? CPF prides itself in being a community. This is in the broad sense. Communities traditionally include persons of all ages... Moms, Dads, Grammas, Grampas, teenagers, children under 12, etc. So in the broad sense, CPF topics should be for all age groups. However... as the primary demographics of CPF seems to be over the age of consent (21), the topics do tend to be more on an adult level. The members do a pretty good job of censoring themselves though and that right there shows the higher level of maturity that exists on CPF... regardless of age.

Blahblahblah... right? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif ... Ok... officially... the only topics that are officially banned from CPF are those that discuss or promote illegal activites. Use your discretion as to the term "discuss"... You're all mature enough to know what the intention of that term is in this context. If you don't know where the line is, then don't post... that's a pretty safe rule of thumb for everyone. In addition, pornography of any kind is strictly forbidden!

Now here's where some of you may get a little butt-hurt... but it needs to be said in plain language that all will understand...

... I have enough babysitting to do with this site... and I'm not talking about the kids either. It's bad enough that there are too many adults on this site (keep in mind that 1 is too many) that I have to constantly remind of the rules and try to keep in line... I don't need to be babysitting a bunch of kids too and making sure that little Johnny doesn't read any bad words, or learn about God or drugs or our government or the accusations of child molestation again Michael Jackson... etc etc.

It *IS* up to parents to monitor their children... and babysit them. It's not my responsibility or CPF's or it's members'. So go ahead and have your controversial discussions here! But I'd advise a review of the CPF Rules & FAQs if you really want to jump in! And keep in mind that the minute a moderator or administrator decides that the line has been crossed, the thread WILL be closed. So obviously, it's in everyone's best interest to keep it civil.

So now... are we clear? As mud? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 

bindibadgi

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Sounds fine here Sasha.

BTW, I have read the rules, but I'm not quite clear: is my sigline considered "flaming"? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crackup.gif
 

Wits' End

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[ QUOTE ]
bindibadgi said:
Sounds fine here Sasha.

BTW, I have read the rules, but I'm not quite clear: is my sigline considered "flaming"? /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crackup.gif

[/ QUOTE ]
Unfortunately I do find your sig line offensive, I also chuckle at it. I don't suggest you change it but there are lots of funny lines out there that don't involve murder.
 

bindibadgi

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In all seriousness, if people do find it offensive, I will change it. Just let me know if you think I should. I don't want anyone having to scroll to avoid it.
 

Finbar

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Re: Are controversial topics appropriate for the C

I would think topics such as the racist attempt at humor, in one recent thread, would be an example of a topic not suitable for CPF.

I have stood on the grounds of Dachau in freezing winter. Several pairs of heavy socks and sturdy hiking boots. My feet went numb from the freezing temperatures.

Prisoners were forced to stand at attention for hours, in the freezing cold, with only wooden shoes.

I have stood over the multiple "Grave of Thousands Unknown."

It is difficult to imagine that someone would make light of this group of peoples.

I would think that the members of this race, that are CPF members, are highly offended.

It is simple minds such as that person's, which allow the phrase, "Never again" to be easily forgotten and cultivate the mindset that allows those acts to be repeated.

Locking a thread seems to pale in comparison.

I hope the CPF members of that race, do not allow one racist member of CPF to keep them from enjoying the community established here.

CPF should not tollerate racism.

Fin
 

Greta

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Re: Are controversial topics appropriate for the C

Fin,

CPF does NOT tolerate racism... of any kind! However, CPF does believe in allowing people to hang themselves. The thread was locked against further posting. But it will stand as is... as a reminder to those who would post such stuff in the future... the reminder being, "Think before posting". People seem to think that the CPF admins and mods are the bad guys... but we're not. We simply allow (in most instances) people to hang themselves with their own words. It's much more effective that way. If people don't want to be embarassed by their own words, then they shouldn't post them to begin with. As I said above, if you don't know where the line is then simply don't post. If you're going to post anyway, then be prepared to possibly have your words stand forever.
 

2dim

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Toronto, Can
The signature in question is obviously a play on "teach a man to fish"... 'fire' also means 'enthusiasm'...in other words, "encouraging enthusiasm in a man helps him self-motivate the rest of his life". As a confirmed 'comicazi', I appreciate the positive aspects of humor, over and above it's apparent face value, or supposed lack of it.

Finding fault is an extremely pernicious activity, whatever the justification...best example that comes to mind is the equating of religion with morality, resulting in a particular moral self-righteousness that distances God, the exact opposite of it's true purpose. Usually better to 'lighten' up whenever possible...and I meant that only in a good way, eh?

None of the above should be construed as critical of moderation on this forum, which Sasha and others [hopefully each one of us] can take deserved satisfaction in as a virtual community, living together in all-inclusive mutually beneficial harmony...dare I say, the LIGHT?

"C'mon baby light my fire..."
 
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