I’m a big fan of YouTube (YT) because for each productive message, I get to either upvote, subscribe, comment, or ring the bell, all to the benefit of the economy of someone I prolly will never meet personally. That said, this post is primarily about the recent increase in censorship on the YT platform. I’m still trying to get a vibe for what’s really going on with the shutdown of one of the highest-ranked YT’ers ever.
You know of whom I speak, so he will remain unnamed; simply because I am not 100% sure that this wasn’t/isn’t a three-strikes-you’re-out scenario to the millionth degree. After all, this person of whom I speak, has received so many strikes for saying some brow-raising things, which leaves one asking, ‘Can he get away with that?’
It also leaves one asking why is YT really taking down some of the largest money-makers for their platform? Is this most recently banned channel just a blaring example that no one is too big to be eradicated from the platform; and, no one is above being shutdown for controversial discussion?
If it is the latter, then it is clear that we have crossed the line from fear of Socialism, directly into staring Communism squarely in the face. In communist countries people speak in coded language to avoid being censored or reprimanded for words spoken.
I expect that’s the most concerning thing of all. It’s clear that things changed dramatically when Trump became POTUS. I can remember the horrific things said during the Obama administration which seemed to go uncensored and ignored. I think anyone who frequents YT can attest to this.
It’s time to end this post; but, one thing really strikes me as odd. If YT is really cleaning house of people who are deemed offensive, how long will it be before people, regardless of their race, receive strikes for spewing the N-word without regard of offending people who may or may not be associated with the race this word is most often linked to? The day all uses of the N-word are abolished from YT is the day I will believe that shutting channels down is about YT cleaning house; and not, (as I eerily suspect) an effort to hinder, if not destroy, the right to freedom of speech.
And, while we're on the topic of cleaning house, how about that offensive F-Bomb that gets spewed without regard for delicate ears which may be listening in? Of course, this makes zero sense in the world of freedom of speech.
Fair warning would be much appreciated; but, realistically, I've used the latter examples as proof that tampering with FOS is a threat to freedom.
God gives one free will. If I'm offended by something I have the freedom to move on to another channel. Of course, there should be consequences for FOS which violates the law. That's where censorship meets cleaning house.
Breaking the law in speech should equal lawsuits or whatever a company, in this case YT, deems proper action. Long story short, there's a fine line between what should be censored; and, breaking the law should be that defining space. For example, it is illegal to spew speech that incites a riot. There should be consequence for such abuse of FOS.
There has to be a line drawn. Let's face it. One can't say a red ball is blue in order to create deception in the minds of those who don't know better. It's a bit like saying go on red, and stop on green. That could cause severe harm to those who are deliberately deceived.
I’ve always said the man with the mike wins. In communist countries there is only one agenda at the mike. No one gets to determine if what they’ve heard is alternative or mainstream. Speaking of mikes, rest assured that the person who's been booted from YT, isn't missing a beat as he has his own internet platform on his website. The real dagger in the freedom-of-speech economy will be the day when personal internet channels come under attack. Stay tuned.
Someone asked if Steemit censors. I can’t be 100 percent sure; but, with removal of the view count, it’s hard to know. That said, it is interesting that some controversial posts simply get ZERO support. Yes, it could be no one supported the view; and, on the other hand, could be a quiet case of shadow-banning.
This sparks an interesting final thought: How much in ‘cahoots’ is Steemit with FB/Twitter/Reddit/Linked In? I can’t help but wonder considering these logos are offered for each post written.
Best regards.
Peace.