I've only been a Steemit member for a few weeks, but I already love almost every aspect of it. However, I couldn't help but notice a few comments in the past few days that insinuate some users do not grasp the concept and value of censor free social media. One user who I won't name stated in a "Facebook v Steemit" post listed the benefits of Steemit, such as being non-censored, yet went on to blast Facebook for not "doing something" about its racist users... While almost nobody likes bigots except for maybe other bigots, their presence is a GOOD thing!
How can the presence of these types of people possibly be a "good" thing?
Well, for one it is a good indicator of whether a website is actually censor free or not. The user who was praising Steemit for being censor free and blasting Facebook for not censoring content is essentially a major hypocrite. Steemit gives those who can't express their thoughts and point of view on other platforms, whatever it may be, a place to do so whether their opinions are acceptable or not and that's the beauty of it.
What about all the users these types of people hurt or offend?
While I absolutely denounce all types of bigotry and can not stand it, I've learned to just ignore it. However negative it is, it is there point of view, and I value free speech enough to understand that in a free speech setting there will ALWAYS be people like that. No matter how many language police officers enlist, you just can't, and never will change some people. Sadly bigotry is human nature and you can't re-hardwire the brains of others.
My advice:
I realize this post and my point of view may actually offend some people, I apologize if it has. I'm sticking up for free speech not racists, sexists, and all the other 'ist's' out there. My advice is simple, next time you read a bigoted comment that offends you, take a few seconds to realize that the person behind the username is one of the lowest forms of human life and because of this you shouldn't even get offended, YOU are better. Who cares what some pickle brained troll says, really? Most suffer from a thing called LowQ and cannot even hold their own in an argument anyway, don't even bother to engage with them, its what they crave. Also remember that everything is stored permanently on the blockchain and while freedom of speech may be free, there CAN be consequence. Again, I do not condone bigoted behavior, but take a few seconds and remember that if a social media platform steps in and censors a member for bigoted comments they most likely won't stop there, and as innocent as you view yourself the hammer could drop on you next.
Thank you for taking the time to read! Remember, YOU ARE BETTER THAN THE PEOPLE THAT OFFEND YOU! Face your fears and then laugh at them. Love this platform for what it is, a censor free paradise. We don't need another Facebook or Twitter. Steemit is something great, and great things are never only great. Free speech isn't free, but it's pretty cheap.
Image Credit: preceden.com
