The DU Terms of Service

[OmahaBlueDog]

Hi:

I've started a discussion over in Help/Meta over whether the terms of service on Hate Speech should be broadened. Here is what they say now:

No bigoted hate speech.

Do not post bigotry based on someone's race or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion or lack thereof, disability, or other comparable personal characteristic. To be clear: This includes any post which states opposition to full equal rights for gays and lesbians; it also includes any post asserting disloyalty by Jewish Americans, claiming nefarious influence by Jews/Zionists/Israel, advocating the destruction of the state of Israel, or arguing that Holocaust deniers are just misunderstood. In determining what constitutes bigotry, please be aware that we cannot know what is in anyone's heart, and we will give members the benefit of the doubt, when — and only when — such doubt exists.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/?com=termsofservice


Question: Should this wording be changed?

The discussion in Help/Meta is here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/124024086

I'll be interested to hear the answers from the frequent posters in this forum

[LeftishBrit]

1. I think it could be expanded and clarified slightly to take into account that not all posters are

American; to make it clear that 'nefarious influence' refers to blaming Jews or Israel for the misdeeds or misfortunes of other countries; and to clarify that while such allegations are perhaps particularly common with regard to Jews, they also occur, and are also unacceptable, with regard to *any* ethnic group.

I suggest:

'any post asserting disloyalty by Jewish citizens in America, Europe or elsewhere; allegations that Jews in general have 'dual citizenship with Israel'; claiming nefarious influence by Jews/Zionists/Israel on America, Europe or the world in general; advocating the destruction of the state of Israel; or arguing that Holocaust deniers are just misunderstood. Similarly, do not post allegations of disloyalty or questionable citizenship by any other group on the basis of their religion or ethnicity: this includes any post that endorses the 'Eurabia' myth that Muslim immigrants are taking over Europe. In determining what constitutes bigotry, please be aware that we cannot know what is in anyone's heart, and we will give members the benefit of the doubt, when — and only when — such doubt exists.'

[OmahaBlueDog]

2. I like that. It would satisfy much of my concern

I hadn't even considered the "Eurabia" aspect. That's a well taken point.

I had mentioned other religious groups. One concern that I have is that the opposition in the US Presidential election to Barack Obama is likely to be either Mitt Romney (a Mormon/member of the COJC&LDS) and/or Rick Santorum (a Catholic). Both of these faiths are frequently attacked, albeit largely from evangelical protestants (not exactly a large population on DU). I'd like to see the management take a proactive approach on that.