I don't believe in obscenity, (at least my version of it.) I do believe in free speech.. And the point of this forum is very clear, it isn't a sex forum, it is to discuss JW issues, of which sex can be a large part of the discussion....
My concerns on free speech and sex are a direct result of my former dealings as an elder. I believe it can be helpful to discuss these matters, and even have a sense of humor about it. I would recommend a part of the forum where such discussions can be directly had. Such an area of the site could be understood to contain some direct sexual talk. I am not suggesting that there be a part of the site where people could turn this into passion.com or anything. But because of the wide swath of standards and comfort levels that people have regarding sexual matters, those whose standards might be more strict then others could be aware that there would be talk of sex that could be offensive to them. Their feelings should be respected, just as those who have for very good reasons, their own standards of sex and sex related discussions..... I believe censorship should be a last resort on this forum, insofar as censorship is one of the most powerful tools that the governing body uses to contol things to their own ends. I am not accusing anyone of anything, so please don't read anything into this last statement.
This is merely a suggestion. This isn't my forum at all, I am not a mod, and thus I do not wish to create controversy by what I have said. I feel very stongly that because it is impossible to make everyone happy, that every effort is made to accomodate the different personalities and inevitable discussions that will come up on this forum. It has to be admitted that what one person considers "obscene" is perfectly fine to another.....
I have seen sexually frank threads started in areas of this forum that they should not be started in. I would like to see such either started in an "adult" area of the site or otherwise moved their if they are somewhere else.... Perhaps that would help in controlling controversial topics.....
I think that while it isn't wrong to express our opinions or even our disapproval on certain items posted here, I do take offense at those who would try to enforce their own standards on others. (i.e. "talk about this sexual act is offensive, or referring to some part of our sexuality or parts of our body must be referred to in certain ways"...) I must say that if an individual is offended by anything he or she reads on this forum, that they need to recognize that this is a forum of ideas, and to expect uniformity of agreement is unreasonable. If anyone feels strongly about a matter, simply pass on to another thread that might not be offensive to them... I use as an example the never ending debate between thiests and athiests on this and many other forums, JW or otherwise. I have argued my point of view in the past to a draw. I try not to get bogged down on those debates these days, having a "live and let live" attitude. The point isn't to get agreement, but to express our ideas. On occasion, some ideas and opinions do prove superior to others, esp in the eye of the beholder... I would suggest that in a forum where sexuality has been so heavily controlled by a cult, that to control adult topics using the same tactics of the cult is counter productive to say the least. (to say nothing of the sheer irony of it all....)
Again, this isn't an expression of disapproval of anyone, esp the mods who give a lot of their time here, and it is well appreciated. What I am suggesting in a nutshell is to keep such topics to a specific and well identified area of the forum. That way, those that wish may feel free to discuss sexual topics, and to those that might not want to delve into such topics too much, they don't have to read items that may be offensive to them. It seems that there are 2 areas of sexuality that can be broached here 1) having to do with JW policies and 2) our own personal opinions and expression on sexuality. In my opinion, there should be room for both. My suggestion has to do with our personal views of sexuality. If we can keep it to a specific area of the forum, it could make for better management of the forum and save hurt feelings...
thanks for listening to that loooong long post... And my thanks to the mods on this forum.. It isn't easy to manage, and I appreciate being able to speak my mind on such matters... Thanks to all.....