Is decentralization a myth?

in #steemit5 years ago (edited)

I have been thinking about this topic for a while and I thought it was time to put it down into words. Those of us in the crypto-sphere have been running away from the mainstream cool-aid for a while now. For those of you who are unfamiliar with that euphemism; it basically means we don't wish to drink up the propaganda put out and controlled by mainstream media. We happened upon places like Steemit because we believe in not being silenced; where freedom of speech is preserved. This is certainly a challenge to big media outlets who wish to push their own agenda rather than non-biased discussion. Youtube, twitter, facebook.. they are all cutting down narratives that do not fit their own globalists agenda.

The final push for me to write this blog has to do with the tragic shootings in Pittsburgh. White nationalism / Jew hatred was the motive, this crazed man opinions (may his name be erased) were posted on Gab.com. In response to the shootings, Paypal pulled its participation as well as the hosting provider. Gab.com has found another host, but is certainly under the radar for hatred. Similar places that I love to get my own propaganda from is Zerohedge. I like to read opinion pieces that are not directly under the MSM, but If you happened upon the comments section (where I read the most), many of the comments are just as toxic and full of hatred similar to Gab.com. Perhaps it's just a matter of time before Zerohedge has a crazed shooter who posted on their site as well. Perhaps the Pittsburgh shooter WAS posting on Zerohedge. Zerohedge should raise an eyebrow after what has just happened.

There is no debate whether or not the murderer in Pittsburgh was a piece of shit. He deserves the death penalty clear and simple. It's even harder to believed that one of the elderly victims suffered in the holocaust. This simply proves that nobody is safe, and hatred is flourishing as it has in the past. With that being said, the question now is if websites who provide a forum for such hatred should be be de-funded and silenced (due to a few crazed human beings). Perhaps it's akin to the gun debate. Do gun's kill people? Or do people kill people?

Where does free speech begin, and where does it end? I personally do not bother confronting anti-Jewish sentiment because it is just as fruitless as debating with snow-flake liberals. It's very hard to convince anyone of facts when their irrational hatred takes control of them. Facts be damned when there is idealism. So the question is, should these maniacs be allowed to say whatever they want on these forums? Isn't that part of free speech? In my personal opinion words can be very dangerous. If you tell a lie thousands of times, people begin to believe it. This is whether it is written or not.

Not only do words conceive action, but certain hate websites and forums are a place for tribalism. After all, sometimes we like to speak to the choir; and if there is no choir a forum gets is created for everyone to congregate and voice similar views. This in itself is a form of centralization. As much as we hate to admit it (especially anarchists), human beings group together under many different banners. As much as we like to believe we are individuals, society functions within conglomerates and tribes. Even Sovereign nations are centralized.

Perhaps some forums do require some moderation as vitriol and hatred can be so bad that it can turn into masses with pitch forks. Then again, evil dictators who deserve the masses with pitch forks can be produced from similar forums. It's a double edged sword. Without good there cannot be evil. Without Falsehood there cannot be truth. The battle ground is here on earth, and staying silent is sometimes worse than not saying a word. If haters wish to out themselves, so be-it. Let them become a target for law-enforcement and good citizens who report them. Sometimes law enforcement can be used for good. Sure many of us hate the Police, but unfortunately they are required at times.

Silence is never the answer, but sometimes, sometimes action is required if you feel the life of any person is endangered. Saying you hate a certain group online is not akin to killing, but it is definitely a starting point. If there is no internal moderation, eventually sites may be shut down. This all boils down to personal and hosting responsibility. Just like Steemit would be responsible for posting Pedophilia, it could become responsible for hatred that goes unchecked. This is a reality of life. You can say what you want, but there could still be consequences. If you moderate properly, you could save your forum.

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Great post. I struggle with this issue all the time. I would like to censor anti-semitism but it becomes a slippery slope where freedom of speech and thought get lost. Steem provides a good decentralised community censorship model by stake based voting and downvotes.

Posted using Partiko iOS

I am afraid there are some big powerholders who are funding these anti-Israel groups here on steam it you’re down vote would have a little affect

Perhaps some forums do require some moderation

There may be some truth to that. Decentralization is good in theory but perhaps is the other extreme. Interesting article my friend @bearbear613

It's a fine line between decentralised and centralised. Im all for freedom speech and freedom of opinion, but do get a little worried when things and people are left alone to spread miss-information and such.

Decentralised means (to me) the ability to police one's self and everyone. Do I want a single entity (main stream media) dictating what I watch, read and listen to?? Hell NO!! But then as a decentralised collective WE can route out lies, evil, misinformation and as a decentralised platform that's what we should ALL take responsibility for.

I don't even know if what I said makes sense, I've just tried to keep my fingers up with what's going on in my head. But hopefully you'll understand what I'm getting at.

I don't watch the news anymore because of their nasty globalist agenda. I do try to inform myself about current events through alternative media such as this one, however, I use discernment to reject misinformation and I will very careful not to spread it either.

I think I know what you are getting at; it's a double edged sword lol

They just use censorship as fuel or proof because it always fits in to any conspiracy theory anyways.

Damned if you do, and if you don't...

Therefore I think it's best to let them speak, so you know what they are saying, and even as in this case, when they're about to do something... Someone could have interpreted the signs as well as the final "warning;"

"Screw your optics, I'm going in."

Otherwise, how to correct the misinformed after they hear the lies, is what my biggest question regarding speech is...

It’s insanity how many just believe the lies. I just tried explaining to a friend this and she called me a trump fucker. I’m a liberal who voted for Jill Stein and still all they have is this brainwashed reaction. It’s zonbies 🧟‍♀️ out here!

you sound confused.. you voted liberal but seem to have more conservative views.

It was a protest vote
I would of normally voted libertarian but Johnson is a fucking idiot!
Sorry not a Trump fan. Also not a trump basher. I get labeled a Trump bitch because I call out the Democrats. People at least the ones here in nyc are sheep! I refuse to support either corrupt major party but I will say republicans have been much more sane then the leftists

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