'Tone of the list' discussion

[Lorenzo Taylor]

In saying that obscene language is grounds for moderation, one must then define 
obscene language. One person's interpretation is naturally going to be different 
from another person's interpretation, especially on an international and 
multicultural list. Defining obscene language on such a list would be like 
defining pain based on what hurts a wrestler and what hurts a baby. Do we go 
with the wrestler's definition of what hurts, even though the baby is unable to 
stand that much pain or do we go with what makes the baby cry, even though any 
adult would be able to withstand much more? In the same way, there are varying 
degrees of acceptable profanity, differing based on culture as well as personal 
taste. I, for example, feel that words that others feel are obscene are just 
words, unless they are directed at me personally. Another person on this list 
may feel that simply writing the word damn in an email is punishable by eternal 
hell fire. Whose definition do we apply when determining whether or not a 
message with a "bad word" in it is grounds for moderation of the poster?

Peace and long life,
Lorenzo
-- 
Nia diligenta kolegaro
En laboro paca ne laciĝos,
Ĝis la bela sonĝo de l' homaro
Por eterna ben' efektiviĝos.
--La Espero, himno de Esperanto