Reader backs apparent decision to strip CSLS from Google+
Yes, I’m stuck on this topic.
But, no, it’s not because I’m getting a kick out of typing the phrase “cleavage-snuggling LEGO stormtrooper” and repeatedly posting this photograph of the CSLS. At least it’s not primarily because of those things.
The underlying topic – what is and is not acceptable to post on a public social network such as the fledgling Google+ — is an interesting one. And this example involving the CSLS – the photo was apparently banished from Google+ by Google+ — serves quite well as a discussion point.
Most of the opinions I’ve read regarding the CSLS have been critical of the Google+ decision, with many calling it censorship (it’s not, but that’s a matter we’ve been over before and will go over again another day).
However, Google does have supporters. Back on the original post, a Mr. Leslie has weighed in with a comment headlined: “Bravo Google. Well done. Children can continue on G+.” It reads:
There needs to be a bit of decency. It’s not all breasts, bums and sex.
Children in my house are locked out of Facebook because of near porn. They are too young (10 and under) to have access.
If what I see on the laptop or screen is something I would be embarrassed to show to my wife, then it should not be there.
The next thing, if you let this go, would be to display scantily clad genitalia.
My reply to Mr. Leslie is headlined: “I’d have no trouble showing that picture to my children …” It reads:
… who are 9, 9 and 9 (about to turn 10, 10 and 10). The boys would see just another LEGO stormtrooper — they have hundreds — and not much notice its surroundings. My daughter, though likely not yet aware of the fact, would see her future. None would be any the worse for it.
In summary, I’d argue that Google+ users shouldn’t have to adhere to Mr. Leslie’s standards, and he would argue that they shouldn’t have to be subjected to mine.
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