so I came across this quote on another message board which made me ask a question, what is censorship?

This isn’t censorship...it’s a matter of respect for the man this board was created for and the people on it who would just as soon have this ALL over with. If you can’t see that, there’s no place for you here.

checking a basic definition of censorship on the net I came across:

1.  The act, process, or practice of censoring.
2. The office or authority of a Roman censor.
3. Psychology. Prevention of disturbing or painful thoughts or feelings from reaching consciousness except in a disguised form.

now how would this work - to show respect for someone, and it not being censorship.  hmmm…

I guess in this scenario number 3 would apply the most as having respect is more of a psychological phenomenon.  in which case to show respect dont you have to censor certain negative thoughts/feelings/ideas if they exist.  if they dont exist then you dont have to censor anything.  so based on this assumption the closest you would get to respect not being censorship is respect with no need to censor.

thoughts?

I think it depends on exactly what you mean by respect.

here are the top 3 definitions:
1.  To feel or show deferential regard for; esteem.
2. To avoid violation of or interference with (example: respect the speed limit)
3. To relate or refer to; concern.

In the context you are referring to I think definition 2 would apply.  In order to “avoid violation or interference” a person does have to exercise restraint, which I guess loosely includes censorship.  I think we are talking about having “respect” (avoid violation or interference) for someone’s feelings, which means to use restraint/filter out non-constructive/hurtful comments. I think exercising restraint or choosing words carefully depending on the circumstance is not the same thing as censorship. Censorship has a mostly bad connotation while restraint is typically a good thing.

I don’t know if that takes the discussion anywhere… but those are my 2 cents.

great, that makes sense.

my thinking was maybe more in line with definition #1 where lets say having respect for a child molester would not be easy.  you somehow would have to overlook or get by the fact that he/she molested a child, or not be aware of it.  in order to hold that kind of respect.

now #2 is more in line with restraining oneself from lets say going into a kindergarten and shouting “santa doesnt exist!!”.  this would definitely hurt the feelings of young children, while the teacher should be fine.

objections?