From: aker@hightop.nrl.navy.mil (Les Aker)
Subject: Re: I've just been repremanded by net.big.brother
Keywords: no reply
Organization: Naval Research Labs (Washington DC)
Date: Fri, 11 Dec 1992 17:53:08 GMT

In article <1992Dec11.155303.5068@lynx.dac.northeastern.edu> awells@lynx.dac.northeastern.edu (Andrew V. Wells) writes:
>I just received this scolding from a net official at my
>university:
>
>>From XXXXXX Thu Dec 10 20:37:25 1992
>>Subject: language on internet
>>To: awells (Andrew V. Wells)
>>Date: Thu, 10 Dec 92 EST
>>From:XXXXXXXXXXX
>>Andy,
>>	It has come to my attention that a number of complaints have
>>been posted and mailed to Northeastern relative the the content of some
>>recent postings to the internet from your account. While neither DAC or
>>the University have any intention of restricting free speech, there are
>>standards for reasonable conduct. Obscenities and name calling reflect
>>badly on this University especially in a world wide forum. In the
>>future, please refrain from using such offensive language; it
>>contributes nothing to any kind of discussion. 
>>Thank you.
>>XXXXXXXXXXXX
>>A net official
>------------------End of letter-------------------------
>
>Doesn't this constitute a subtle form of censorship? I've always
>thought that what are pejoratively refered to as "obscenities" 
>can be a valid expression of anger and revulsion, given what a
>#$%*&!!#$@& world we live in. There have also been attacks on
>the use of "obscenities" in Rap music, with the thought police
>wanting to put "parental advisory" stickers on the albums. This
>is indeed a real and clever form of censorship, as many of the
>owners of large-chain shopping malls [mauls?], (where most people
>buy their cassettes and CD's) have threatened to shut down
>record stores that sell music with "parental advisory" stickers.
>One of the big players in this censorship campaign is none other
>than Tipper Gore.  I just wonder, after Jan. 20th, whether
>we're going to start seeing warning labels slapped on
>terminals all across the country warning people about such
>excellent groups as talk.bizarre.  The scary thing is that
>the real powerhouses behind all of this are not just people
>like tipper gore, but ultra-right wing fanatic religous
>fronts with Orwellian names such as the "American Family 
>Association."
>                                   andy wells
>          ///\\\         awells@lynx.dac.northeastern.edu
>        \\\\  ////        andyphys@nuhub.northeastern.edu

----------------------------------------------------------
Andy,

I think that you took a big leap from being asked, relatively
nicely, by the university to tone down your language a little.
The request doesn't have any relationship to labelling music,
Tipper Gore, or far out groups like the American Family 
Association, in my opinion.

I believe that the university has an obligation to expect an
observance of reasonable conduct, & isn't guity of censorship
by making this request of you.  If you disagree with the 
request, then I believe that the proper course is to take up
the matter with university officials responsible for computing
resources.  They should be practicing the same policies for
all users, & have a set of guidelines for you debate with them.

         

-- 
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# Leslie L. Aker, Sr.               #    
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