Censorship and other thoughts

[bookaddict43]

Beware - serious ranting and/or rebellion ahead!

Some of this relates to my previous post and some to a post in a friends' journal. It also relates to something I believe in strongly as you may get from the italics :D

I work in a public library, fortunately in a place where no-one has ever seriously questioned the stuff I buy for the shelves. I've had one or two remarks about the witchcraft books or sex manuals, but nothing over-the-top or irrational.

I totally believe that people should be allowed to read/watch what they like. If it's the hopless Harlequin/Mills & Boon romance fiction I make fun of, Mein Kampf, the Black Lace erotic fiction, Jane Austen or Shakespeare; IT IS THERE CHOICE!!!!! And I have no right to stop them borrowing/reading/watching it.

The same applies to fan-fiction, vids or anything else really. The moment we start telling people what they can write or even like, we become opressors, even if it's only on our little corner of LJ.

Of course I believe too, that everyone is entitled to their own opinion. But when it actually promotes the idea, that another persons' ideas are unwelcome and irrelevant then that is wrong!! The people who jump on these bandwagons are also weird - have some ideas yourselves, read that is being criticised first! Then say something if you want...

So I'm saying (paraphrased from a comment in my friends' journal)

Who cares what they think?

I strongly believe that people can post what they like, when they like. We as grown-ups can read it or not. And think of it this way - the person must have read it to criticise it. I may not be a huge fan of Chuck/Sarah, Kaylee/Simon, Shepherd/Weir, but I reserve the right for people to write, read and enjoy it.

Also if anybody stops posting because of some ill-considered rants, you've played into the ranters hands and we'll be condemned to banal, canon, badly written fic!!!!!!!!! Don't do it - and don't be depressed *cuddles* and stand up for those of us who can think and act like individuals!! *rallying cry*

Traditional disclaimer: Of course I actually do like canon and reserve the right of folks to write badly written fiction too :)

Comments

[romanceguru.livejournal.com]

The moment we start telling people what they can write or even like, we become opressors, even if it's only on our little corner of LJ.

I ♥ you.

I really don’t understand the people on LJ that try and control what other people write. If you don’t like a ship, then don’t read it. Please don’t take that joy away from the person who writes/enjoys it. It obviously makes them happy, and it’s selfish and just plain mean to flame someone for their views. We all can’t like the same thing and should appreciate the things that make one another individual.

You are wise and just in your ranting. : )

[bookaddict43.livejournal.com]

I'm wise and just? *preens*

I don't understand it either. But many of us Jaylee writers deserted fireflyfans.net en masse, because of just such a thing.

We all can’t like the same thing and should appreciate the things that make one another individual. So true! *hugs*

[bugchicklv.livejournal.com]

That's why I never posted any more of my Rayne-fic there. What I did share never got any negative feedback, but I read enough forum posts to know we weren't welcome.

And God, I hate Mal/River with the passion of a thousand suns but I'd NEVER, EVER tell anyone else not to write it. Gah! The audacity of some people.

(And this is for Liz, right?)

[bookaddict43.livejournal.com]

Audacity is right! *nods*

And yes it is for Liz, I was annoyed on her behalf :D