• We’re currently investigating an issue related to the forum theme and styling that is impacting page layout and visual formatting. The problem has been identified, and we are actively working on a resolution. There is no impact to user data or functionality, this is strictly a front-end display issue. We’ll post an update once the fix has been deployed. Thanks for your patience while we get this sorted.

should we censor domain names?

D

DJFuji

Diamond Member
The topic came to mind because i recently saw a link to a japseye.com here on ATOT. I found it quite insulting that someone would buy a domain name for a racially derogatory term like that. True, it refers to more anatomy than race, but the concept is the same.

On one hand, we don't need domain names that exist to create hate and discontent. On the other hand, i believe in free speech whenever possible. But if we do allow them, why censor licenseplates?

Several years ago a japanese american in southern california was made to change his vanity plates because his read: "Jap Jag", referring to his Datsun 240Z that looked like the old Jag XKE's. A complaint was filed, and they made him change it, even though he himself was japanese. So why censor that but allow derogatory domainnames?

Comments/ideas?

edit: spelling
 
Three authors to read which will answer all of your questions:

John Stuart Mill
Joel Feinberg
John Rawls

Oh yes, and the answer is HELL NO. I'm not really in favor of censoring anything, really...without just cause, or a list of profound offenses - and I mean PROFOUND.
 
A license plate is different. It something that people can see in public when they are driving, it is in plain view. Domain names are only accessed by people who wish to access them. Who the hell cares if some racist has a web site? Don't like it? Don't visit the site. As much as I dislike a lot of the political web sites I've seen, I don't call for them to be taken down.
 
Originally posted by: Dissipate
A license plate is different. It something that people can see in public when they are driving, it is in plain view. Domain names are only accessed by people who wish to access them. Who the hell cares if some racist has a web site? Don't like it? Don't visit the site. As much as I dislike a lot of the political web sites I've seen, I don't call for them to be taken down.
Click to expand...

that's kinda what i was thinking...
 
i tell ya, though, it's fvcking HARD to think rationally when you see something that offends you. If that site was called fvckwhitey.com instead of japseye.com, i would have been the first to echo what you guys are saying:

"censorship doenst belong on the internet"

"freedom of speech"

etc.

But have something personally insult you and it's HARD to push the emotional side of the brain to the side to think logically. Of course, i'm still in favor of free spech, it's just a lot more difficult when you have personal issues with something. It ALMOST makes me understand minorities when they complain about racism or that they need affirmative action. But "give me a handout because my relatives suffered" was never really my cup of tea. But that's a whole different can of worms...
 
fvckwhitey.com isnt gonna cut it. how about 911wascool.com? in no way i am saying i am in agreement with such an outrageously abhorrent idea, just giving another perspective on what typical americans might be sensitive about.

it is always easy to say something when it doesnt directly pertain you. no, i am not japanese either.
 
the internet is possible because of [private] companies who create, use, buy, networks to sustain the internet as we know it (no doubt that some of these networks are regulated by gov and other agencies and council). sure the internet is public, but if say, a domain name register didn't want to register a partcular name, is there a law or something that says they can or cannot reserve the power to either register or not the name? i would think that the company would not care because, hey, it's all just money to them.



in my opinion, i don't think we should sensor domain names.
 
Originally posted by: Dissipate
A license plate is different. It something that people can see in public when they are driving, it is in plain view. Domain names are only accessed by people who wish to access them. Who the hell cares if some racist has a web site? Don't like it? Don't visit the site. As much as I dislike a lot of the political web sites I've seen, I don't call for them to be taken down.
Click to expand...



Right on the money Dissipate :beer:

My words exactly :thumbsup:
 
Too quote a friend of mine:

No. Censorship is teh sux.
Click to expand...

And I agree with him. Censorship is a tool used by fascists and puritans to silence others and to keep people from living the way they want, and I want no part of that.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Back
Top