Censorship is always a grey area issue. The case has been magified by the whole 9/11 ordeal.

On the one hand, I believe that people should be able to use a clear and understandable language set when writing articles on Perlmonks, just out of respect for others that may be reading these nodes(e.g., the boss looking over the shoulder). To take an extreme point, at my job, I'll see students making out in open areas (sometimes known as PDA: Public Display of Affection). Some people don't find that offensive, but you'd be surprised to see how many people do find it it offensive. Or, if you walk into a person's house, and their mother asks you not to swear in the house, you would have two options: 1.) Leave. 2.) Respect her wishes and not swear during your stay.

Then, we have the issue of free speech. I love being able to say what I want when I want, even on a site like Perlmonks. However, out of respect for my fellow monks, I refrain from using "offensive" language just because, like others have mentioned, they might be reading PM from their job. Here in the LAUSD, we're not allowed to read any "vulgar" material. Of course, the meaning of "vulgar" is pretty vague, so it's hard where to draw the line.

In the end, I believe some level of respect should be maintained, so long as it does not effect the power and clarity of his/her words. Profanity/Vulgarity can either enhance the node or it can murky it's meaning. It's up to the node writer to determine the impact of his words.

Theodore Charles III
Network Administrator
Los Angeles Senior High
4650 W. Olympic Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90019
323-937-3210 ext. 224
email->secon_kun@hotmail.com
perl -e "map{print++$_}split//,Mdbnr;"

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