Goodness!
I'm absent from the board all weekend and come in this morning to find 61 new messages!
I've read a lot of discussion about pornography, censorship, and parents' responsibilities to their children regarding the appropriateness of their surfing choices. I've also read some blatant examples of the types of posts that people were afraid of seeing on Bianca's -- not porn in the strictest sense, but language and attitude that is not typically seen here. I suspect these posts are also not welcomed as positive contributions to the discussion.
I firmly believe that the Internet should not be censored. It is one area where experimentation is relatively risk-free. I am a parent. My child occasionally views movies, television shows, and Internet sites with some age-inappropriate content. These viewings are done in a family context, where the behaviors, be they sexual or violent, are discussed in terms of: Why are behaving this way? Do you think they have a good reason to behave that way? Are there other ways they could behave that might be better? We have done this since my daughter was 5 years old (obviously the content then was different than it is now that she is older).
The point is, these behaviors are out there. Our children need to develop ways of dealing with them in the context of their own morality and integrity. How can they develop these skills if we totally shield them? If they feel that they can't discuss options with their parents, what strategies will they choose? Frankly, I welcome the Internet for giving us a way to access some unsavory societal realities without having to venture into physical danger. Yes, we still have to take precautions, but those are easier to manage than many of the alternatives.
I also feel that many people are gullible about supposedly "safe" sites for children. As myself and another poster pointed out, the kids' chats on AOL are hardly appropriate and safe from smut. However, AOL and many other online tools profess to safeguard children from inappropriate material. There is no software or online service that can realistically provide even moderate levels of "safety." The only way kids can be safe is if they are taught how to handle real life situations and have opportunities to practice their coping strategies. I feel the Internet provides some of these opportunities in a less dangerous setting than is available offline.
I don't feel the least bit squeamish about being a ZAP investor now that they have purchased Bianca's. I feel that Bianca's has done the best they can to keep their site responsible without overt censorship. I think it is a good example of a well-run adult content site. If ZAP can maintain or improve upon Bianca's track record, more power (money) to 'em!! |
