Originally Posted by
azjoe
The problem is that while you might be able to handle all sorts of language, criticisms, insults, etc. not all members can and even less want to. Many members expect a certain level of civility or they leave. So do we want the forums to be only for those like yourself, or do we want to accommodate others with thinner skins?
I don't accept the answer of "well, if you find it offensive, don't read it"... that is not only exclusionary, but it requires those likely to be affected to become offended to make the decision to read or not. Further, I believe there are some legal issues that require forums to take down content people find offensive in some circumstances.
It occurs to me that in our every day lives most all of us are able to manage ourselves in similar situations... we pick the common denominator of civility appropriate to the situation and are perfectly able to interact just fine. For example, most of us use a different vocabulary and demeanor when we are discussing politics at church than we use when we are doing so at the pub... so why can't we do the same here? Why is it so unacceptable to require us to act with the level of civility required here?