C0nc0rdance | PZ Myers and the Principle of Free Expression @C0nc0rdance | Uploaded 11 years ago | Updated 1 day ago
I want to recommend that at the completion of this video, you simply go watch:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyoOfRog1EM
Christopher Hitchens says more eloquently than I ever could why it is important that we choose to allow a culture of free (and offensive) expression. He also explains very clearly why it is important not just to allow a person to SPEAK, but that we have an obligation to make sure that person is HEARD.
This is triply true for atheists, freethinkers, skeptics and rationalists. We shelter under the shield of free expression. Religious groups would prefer we kept our ideas to our own forums, that we remain silent in their presence. Honoring the idea that no-one has a right not to be offended is core to our very existence as a group.
PZ is within his legal rights and within the terms of service of YouTube to close comments and ratings, but in doing so offends the principles of free expression. I can think of no compelling argument to close comments and ratings, and several good reasons to leave them open. Treat Pharyngula like a blog, PZ, and YouTube like the unmoderated forum it was meant to be.
I disagree with PZ, I disliked the tone he took with me, but I don't hold a grudge on this. Two people can disagree without one of them having to be either mentally incompetent or maliciously deceptive. If you are just here to disparage PZ as a person, don't expect me to join in.
My honest intent is to persuade him with a reasoned argument to re-open comments and ratings.
I want to recommend that at the completion of this video, you simply go watch:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyoOfRog1EM
Christopher Hitchens says more eloquently than I ever could why it is important that we choose to allow a culture of free (and offensive) expression. He also explains very clearly why it is important not just to allow a person to SPEAK, but that we have an obligation to make sure that person is HEARD.
This is triply true for atheists, freethinkers, skeptics and rationalists. We shelter under the shield of free expression. Religious groups would prefer we kept our ideas to our own forums, that we remain silent in their presence. Honoring the idea that no-one has a right not to be offended is core to our very existence as a group.
PZ is within his legal rights and within the terms of service of YouTube to close comments and ratings, but in doing so offends the principles of free expression. I can think of no compelling argument to close comments and ratings, and several good reasons to leave them open. Treat Pharyngula like a blog, PZ, and YouTube like the unmoderated forum it was meant to be.
I disagree with PZ, I disliked the tone he took with me, but I don't hold a grudge on this. Two people can disagree without one of them having to be either mentally incompetent or maliciously deceptive. If you are just here to disparage PZ as a person, don't expect me to join in.
My honest intent is to persuade him with a reasoned argument to re-open comments and ratings.
