The question of poems that might offend

[riverwriter]

I have just engaged in a very amicable discussion with two of our members about a piece posted in "Poems for Critique", which one of them found offensive.

I indicated that we do not wish to censor work posted, and I suggested that the poster might wish to remove it or revise it. There was implicit in that the opportunity to leave it as is. The poster chose to remove it.

This raises the issue of political correctness in these posts, and censorship and, as a corollary, whether we should set aside a section of the forum for posts that the poster is concerned may be offensive.

I have discussed this with Ravi, our poetry moderator, and I am opening that discussion here. This discussion is about good taste, I suppose, and how to allow for diversity of opinion and taste while encouraging freedom of expression and even artistic license.

[Jabberwhacky]

A very pertinent discussion which I hope some, even all, of our members respond to and express their views openly about.

Thank you for initiating this thread Riverwriter.

Ravi

[Agnes]

[Michelle]

I'm with Agnes. Some of the most important poetry/books/music...etc. ever written was/is considered offensive to someone or to lots of someones. I didn't read the piece in question, but in general putting up a little warning about strong language or graphic themes would be more than enough warning to the reader when posting a poem that you're concerned about. A little tag in the subject line or at the top before posting the work would be sufficient enough for me, that way no one has to read anything they feel may offend them.

[riverwriter]

[Jabberwhacky]

I think a good point has been made by all, and Michelle has come up with a workable solution worth considering. Perhaps such signage is best carried out by a moderator....is there any way to add that application? Is there such an application at all which permits a caveat be included in the title / subject of the work?

Ravi

[riverwriter]

[riverwriter]

You will note that I have enabled a feature that puzzling ly, was not enabled. We now have a new row of icons above every post/Reply screen: "Post icon" If you wish to indicate a post may offend or otherwise shock or dismay a reader, you could use the radiation symbol or the flame or the blush icons.

I will post an explanation of the use as a warning, if you want to go this route.

Note that I have used the "Information" icon on this post. I can enlarge the icons somewhat, and can search out or invent others.

[Jabberwhacky]

I see the row of icons.....radiation is good

Ravi

[Agnes]

[Michelle]

Nice idea guys. I think that the blushing person could be used for a poem with mature themes, the caution sign for ones with cursing or language that might offend, and the radiation symbol would be for something that you know people might be truly offended by, like a very racist poem etc. I don't really think that it'll stop me from reading anything, but at least if there was a little warning icon posted then no one will have anything to complain about because if they read something that offends them, it's their own fault!

[riverwriter]

[olson29]

Just Read the Thread

Love you all, it's real love.
I've been wanting to use the
Microwave for a long time, yummy.
Love what you put thought into.
I think it would be fun to add
More dimensions to a poem.
Link the beauty
Always.


O

[Jabberwhacky]

Here's to more icono-classed poesy!

[riverwriter]