Kathy Sierra & Chris Locke: "Coordinated Statements on the Recent Events"
April 3rd, 2007 | by Tama |Given the all the recent furor over misogyny, bullying and the challenges that may (or may not) pose to free speech online, it was pretty amazing to see Kathy Sierra and Chris Locke meeting up for the first time face to face as part of a CNN news story. (if you’ve managed to miss it all, see Kathy’s post and Locke’s initial response before reading on). While the CNN story itself was in no danger of having too much depth, it did provoke Sierra and Locke to post what they call ‘coordinated statements on recent events’ in which they agree that misogyny, abuse and threats are bad and that restricting free speech through legislation is not the answer.
From Kathy Sierra:
Chris and I are in complete agreement that it would be tragic if this incident were used as a weapon by those who would limit free and open exchange. My desire is for much more open debate on this issue, not legislated limits. The overwhelming, incredible support so many have given to this issue makes me very hopeful, and the positive result of all this has been the conversation that’s taking place right now, between so many people. This could be a very important moment if we stop, think, and talk about the kind of future we really want online, and make certain we don’t give up something more important in the process.
From Chris Locke:
There is time yet for more balanced articles to be written, less heated conversations to take place. Misogyny is real — and vile. Violence against women is wrong. It must not be tolerated. This issue should be explored and discussed, not swept under the rug, not rationalized away. At the same time, we need to look closely and carefully at the implications for free speech. The First Amendment allows and protects language that many find noxious. But there are forces in the world at present — not least in the US — that would leap at any opportunity to limit speech or even abolish certain forms of it. Crucial as is the current debate about hate speech directed at women, it would be tragic if this incident were used as a weapon by those who would limit free and open exchange.
I’m heartened by these statements and think that both Sierra and Locke have made real headway in ensuring that all of this discussion is led in a way that it can be productive, not just reactive.
