I understand your concern John, and I'll be honest, when it comes to "political correctness" I'm not a big fan of it at all...I'm pretty politically incorrect myself...hell, BB itself is politically incorrect. That said, the "banning" which more accurately should be called a suspension, was not done in the name of PC. I'm all about free expression, free speech, voicing your opinion, etc. But I believe more often then not, people use the term "free speech" too loosely and take it beyond it's true intent.
For example, when you get technical about free speech, it does mean we are allowed to voice an opinion and make bold statements, but their is a limit...there has to be. For instance, you've taken a lot of classes revolving around political debate and theory, and one of the biggest instances that explains this is, you're not allowed to shout fire in a crowded theater when there is no fire...meaning, free speech does not permit inciting ciaos, nor does it allow lying, nor does it allow any speech that will be detrimental to someones character when it is obviously falsely construed....and that is exactly what was happening in the thread that revolved around Melissa Dettwiller.
I'm not asking anyone to approve of female BB and all the things that come with it. If you or anyone else doesn't like female BB, fine, say so, that's fine...but it needs to be done in a manner that voices an opinion that carries some class and dignity with it, not one that is full of lies, as well as blatant hurtfull remarks that demean the attacked character. In Melissa's case, her image is what pays the bills, and damaging remarks that are undeservedly made are made, this damages that image and damages her career. This is not what free speech is about. Had Melissa committed some crime or done something that would warrant character damaging remarks, then yes, these remarks would fall under free speech protection...that obviously did not happen though.
As far as hurting someone's "feelings", in one regard you're right, BB be it mens or womens is a very subjective endeavour, criticsism will come about, both good and bad. But for the above reasons stated, this criticism needs to be conducted accordingly. Further, although we live in a free democratic society, we are still bound by laws, and there are rules and laws in every aspect from the biggest to the smallest thing...this obviously being a small thing being an internet message board...but there still has to be some sort of protocol.
Finally, most seem to support this new rule, except for those banned and they make up a very small minority...so hey, majority rules. And who is the head of this Majority, Ron, and so far he has supported this new rule and I hope that will continue.
In short, debate, fine. Voicing opinions, fine. Criticising, fine. Being a flaming douche bag in your remarks, particularly against a woman, Fucking ludicrous and it won't be tolerated.
Has our society lost all respect in conducting themselves towards women?
