Grants talk:IdeaLab/Enforce civility

Opposition

• Strongly Oppose – I don't think the solution to uncivility in Wikipedia is censoring vulgarities. In my opinion, vulgarities should only be censored if used as an invective or insult, and the context indicates as much. The use of vulgarities in an encyclopedic manner, or in a way which does not insult or disrespect others, should not be a matter of concern. It may offend some people, but I don't see why this offense should be valid justification for depriving users of the right of their freedom of expression. The use of vulgarities in an encyclopedic and non-insulting manner does not infringe on the rights of others; it only offends them. Censoring vulgar terms at the expense user rights and going against the very core of Wikipedia as an entity which does not censor information is not a good or worthwhile exchange. I agree that civility, or rather the lack thereof, is an issue on Wikipedia; however, I do not believe that the use of vulgarities in and of itself contributes to this. What matters is how vulgarities are used, and that is what should be addressed. Blanket censorship is not the answer. Having said that, although I support the idea of enforcing civility, and even though I appreciate the proposer's attempt at trying to provide a resolution to the uncivility on Wikipedia, I strongly disagree that the majority of problems and approaches described in this Idea are valid or worthwhile to pursue in the attempt of enforcing civility. As an aside, but nonetheless important, I consider this Idea to endorse discriminatory, offensive, and prejudicial stereotypes by blaming the purported uncivility affecting Wikipedia on "young, white, poorly socialized men". This is itself rude and disrespectful, not to mention a matter of blatant discrimination. –Nøkkenbuer (talk • contribs) 17:13, 28 March 2015 (UTC)