A tricky subject to tackle, to be sure. Perhaps someone might suggest that where free speech is concerned, no lines can or ever should be drawn. And there are so many variables to consider. For example, where a person lives and the cultural norms they have grown up with can greatly impact how they view free speech or how it has been commonly interpreted in their society.
Poetry is just one of many forms of communication. For simplicity sake, we will focus on what is commonly viewed as unacceptable speech in many lands. Let's think about how it relates to the poetry we pen and specifically, what may be viewed as unacceptable on a family-friendly poetry site.
1. Slander
Slander is commonly misunderstood. It is not simply gossip gone bad. Slander is a malicious, deliberate public attempt to damage or even destroy another person's reputation by means of lies and/or distortions. In most lands, slander that can be proven in a court of law can result in significant civil damages being awarded to the victim.
2. Religious blasphemy or apostate writings
This one might not be as much of an issue in western lands as it once was. However, in the past heretics and blasphemers have been placed on racks, excommunicated and even burned at the stake. In some lands blasphemous writings may still result in a death penalty, or lesser penalties.
3. Seditious writings against governments or governmental authorities
Once again, in western lands it seems to be the order of the day to pummel politicians and governments without letup. This was not always the case, however, and in some lands today to speak out publicly against a leader can still result in imprisonment and even death.
4. Writings placing children (minors) in danger or depicting such in a hurtful way
Should writing that ridicules child sexual or physical abuse or makes light of the situation be tolerated on any level in society? The news recently featured a major civil lawsuit won against a well known individual who ridiculed as a conspiracy the mass shooting of children at a public school.
5. Poetry that has as its goal defaming, ridiculing or otherwise targeting a fellow poet in an unflattering light
No explanation required.
Of course, this is not an exhaustive list. I'm hoping it spurs honest and frank discussion. Indeed, free speech is on trial. It's constantly being played out in the news. The question for us is this: Where do we draw the line, both here on Poetry Soup as well as in our personal lives?
Tommy