• Photo of malissi

  Freedom of Speech (Just Watch What You Say)

  http://www.reason.com/blog/show/130347.html
  37 days ago in Hit & Run - Reason Magazine · Authority: 1,927

  Neil Gaiman, the acclaimed author of Sandman, American Gods, and many other superb works of fantastic fiction, has a very long and very good post at his blog on why defending freedom of speech sometimes means "defending the right of people to read, or to write, or to say, what you don't say or like or want said." He's writing in response to the case of Christopher Handley, an Iowa man facing up to 20 years in prison for possessing comic books that allegedly depict minors engaged in sexual activity. These aren't photographs, it's worth repeating, they're illustrations. Here's Gaiman: When I was writing Sandman, about eighteen years ago, I had thought that the Marquis de Sade would make a fine character for my French Revolution story (I loved the fact that at the time he was a tubby, asthmatic imprisoned for his refusal to sentence people to death) and realised I ought to read his books, rather than commntaries on them, if I was going to put him in my story. I discovered that the works of DeSade were, at that time, considered obscene and not available in the UK, and that UK Customs had declared them un-importable. I bought them in a Borders the next time I was in the US, and brought them through customs looking guilty. (You can now get De Sade in the UK. The arrival of internet porn in the UK meant that the police stopped chasing things like that.) [...] Freedom to write, freedom to read, freedom to own material that you believe is worth defending means you're going to have to stand up for stuff you don't believe is worth defending, even stuff you find actively distasteful, because laws are big blunt instruments that do not differentiate between what you like and what you don't, because prosecutors are humans and bear grudges and fight for re-election, because one person's obscenity is another person's art. Because if you don't stand up for the stuff you don't like, when they come for the stuff you do like, you've already lost. Whole thing here. reason on the panic over virtual porn here and here.

  • Photo of ottomatik

    Neil Gaiman explains why he opposes laws banning speech he disagrees with

    http://www.boingboing.net/2008/12/01/neil-gaiman-explains.ht...
    37 days ago in Boing Boing · Authority: 13,248

    In response to a reader who asked him why he was sticking up for a manga collector whose comics included depictions of underage sex, Neil Gaiman responds with a reasoned, intelligent, and convincing article about the problems of legal limits on speech. First they came for the manga -- what's next? So when Mike Diana was prosecuted -- and found guilty -- of obscenity for the comics in his Zine "Boiled Angel", and sentenced to a host of things, including (if memory serves) a three year suspended prison sentence, a three thousand dollar fine, not being allowed to be in the same room as anyone under eighteen, over a thousand hours of community service, and was forbidden to draw anything else obscene, with the local police ordered to make 24 hour unannounced spot checks to make sure Mike wasn't secretly committing Art in the small hours of the morning... that was the point I decided that I knew what was obscene, and it was prosecuting artists for having ideas and making lines on paper, and that I was going to do everything I could to support the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund. Whether I liked or approved of what Mike Diana did was utterly irrelevant. (For the record, I didn't like the text parts of Boiled Angel, but did like the comics, which were personal and had a raw power to them. And somewhere in the sprawling basement magazine collection I have Boiled Angel 7 and 8, which I read back then to find out what was being prosecuted, and for owning which I could, I assume, now be arrested...) ...You ask, What makes it worth defending? and the only answer I can give is this: Freedom to write, freedom to read, freedom to own material that you believe is worth defending means you're going to have to stand up for stuff you don't believe is worth defending, even stuff you find actively distasteful, because laws are big blunt instruments that do not differentiate between what you like and what you don't, because prosecutors are humans and bear grudges and fight for re-election, because one person's obscenity is another

    • Author unknown

      More sleepy blogging

      http://sideshow.me.uk/sdec08.htm#12020238
      37 days ago in The Sideshow · Authority: 220

      Well, it turns out the most important news of the day, passed on to me by brilliant and alert commenters below, is that the rumors are true about the Bravissimo Advent calendar! Sadly, however, it doesn't look like they are going for a Bra of the Day approach. Now that whatever was left of the Secretary of State's prestige and duties of office has pretty much been flushed by the position's recent occupants, I don't know what all the upset is about Obama giving the job to Hillary Clinton - a woman who you may not have noticed gets a good deal more respect abroad than she does at home. What does worry me is who is being talked up to replace her in the Senate, one Thomas Suozzi, last seen running against Eliot Spitzer for governor because of Spitzer's known hostility to criminally negligent bankers. Suozzi's candidacy was, of course, backed by a lot of criminals and other Republicons. Neil Gaiman has a long post on censorship andwhy we fight to defend the icky stuff that's really worth reading. Via Roz. Good-bye to Calculated Risk blogger "Tanta" - Doris Dungey - dead of ovarian cancer at 47. Time for Brian Brink's tour-de-force performance of The Carol of the Bells. And if you want more of him, just open up his MySpace page.

      • Author unknown

        Why Defend Freedom of Icky Speech?

        http://www.cynical-c.com/?p=12386
        37 days ago in Cynical-C Blog - · Authority: 393

        Neil Gaimans long and passionate answer to a question posed to him from a reader about why he is defending lolicon (Wiki def. here) and why he is appalled by the arrest of a comic collector for owning manga comics which allegedly depict minors engaged

        • Photo of ExpatPaul

          Freedom of icky speech

          http://www.pulpmovies.com/blog/2009/01/freedom-of-icky-speec...
          2 days ago in Savage Popcorn · Authority: 8

          Freedom of icky speech It’s a month old, but this post on Neil Gaiman’s blog provides a calm and articulate discussion of why freedom of speech matters even if you find that you don’t like the specific speech exercising the freedom. Freedom to write, freedom to read, freedom to own material that you believe is worth defending means you’re going to have to stand up for stuff you don’t believe is worth defending, even stuff you find actively distasteful, because laws are big blunt instruments that do not differentiate between what you like and what you don’t, because prosecutors are humans and bear grudges and fight for re-election, because one person’s obscenity is another person’s art. Because if you don’t stand up for the stuff you don’t like, when they come for the stuff you do like, you’ve already lost. Go read the rest.

          • Photo of zegim

            Primera entrada del 2009

            http://khanti-parami.blogspot.com/2009/01/primera-entrada-de...
            5 days ago in Khanti Parami · Authority: 26

            En un rato más salgo de viaje a alguna soleada playa con mi familia y como acostumbro, dejo un par de cosas aquí para no que no se note demasiado el abandono total de este blog.Final Crisis (DC) vs Secret Invasion (Marvel)Los eventos de cómics más importantes del 2008. Secret Invasion concluyó hace poco y Final Crisis no se ve para cuando. Aun así, Secret Invasión resultó ser mortalmente aburrido como un evento. Un montón de super héroes deciden el futuro del mundo con una pelea en medio de Nueva York. ¿No vemos eso unas 10 veces al año?Pero esta vez eran extraterrestres que toman la forma de quien desean y no pueden ser detectados. ¿En quién puedes confiar? ¡Suspenso!Además mataron a the Wasp y Nick Fury está de vuelta. Un montón de personajes nuevos fueron masacrados brutalmente y Norman Osborn está encargado de la seguridad del mundo. Ya saben, Normal "Duende-Verde-mato a Gwen Stacy aventándola de un puente- mato a un policia en televisión nacional y todo mundo me ve- todos saben que soy un psicópata peligroso" Osborn. Tony Stark, por su parte, está en la ruina. Sólo si eres un villano sales adelante en el universo Marvel.Final Crisis es incomprensible sin un título en historia de DC, pero ha resultado ser mucho más interesante. A diferencia de Secret Invasion, el planeta sí parece estar en riesgo.Darkseid acabó con los Nuevos Dioses y obtuvo la ecuación de la Anti-Vida, que es una fórmula matemática que demuestra la no existencia del ibre albedrío. Básicamente, si la lees, quedas convencido completamente que la única opción que existe en tu existencia es obedecer, en este caso, al siempre bonachon Darkseid. Casi toda la población del mundo ya vio la ecuación, así que sólo quedan unos pocos tipos allí y allá esperando a ser asesinados muy gráficamente.Oh sí. el Martian Manhunter murió como una bitch, Barry Allen revivió (lástima Wally, pero Barry es él único Flash a los ojos de los editores) y no tengo ni idea de nada más, pero sé que es trippy como Jimi Hendrix en ácido del bueno.MúsicaPrimero que nada, algo de Liquid Funk. High Contrast - Racing Green¿Qué es el Liquid Funk? Drum and Bass mezclado con partes iguales de House, Disco, Funk y Jazz.Trance. Giussepe Ottaviani - Through Your Eyes (Original Mix)Hip-Hop. Nujabes - Ordinary Joe (ft. Terry Callier)Mentí. Eso fue Hip-Hop y Jazz simultáneamente.Para leerAnil Dash acerca de l futuro de los videojuegos, teléfonos y sus usuariosPhones are For Hardcore GamersNeil Gaiman acerca de la libertad de expresión, la creatividad y la leyWhy defend freedom of icky speech?Danah Boyd acerca de los jóvenes y la relación que tienen con los nuevos medios de comunicaciónLiving and Learning with New Media: Findings from a 3-year Ethnographic Study of Digital YouthSí, sí. Está todo en inglés. Debieron poner atención en sus clases de secundaria y preparatoria. Si saben de autores hispanohablantes que hablen de los mismos temas, no duden en informarme.Y...Por el momento eso es todo, ya andaré de vuelta en unos días con un bronceado que los hará llorar de envidia.Escuchando...Nujabes - Latitude (remix) (feat. Five Deez)

            • Photo of heidimeeley

              Top Ten "Best" Comic Events of 2008

              http://comicsfairplay.blogspot.com/2008/12/top-ten-best-comi...
              7 days ago in Comics Fairplay · Authority: 29

              After a bit of a downer post yesterday, it is now time to celebrate the “best” of comics in 2008. There was a few that sprang right to mind. The rest were a bit of a fight in my head, which I am sure must have been a heck of a sight to the hubby. Without further ado, let’s dive in!10. Captain America. Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting continue to bring the heat on a title that has turned into one of my consistently top ten reads. I love Bucky as Cap, and I can hardly believe I am sitting here admitting it. This book is exquisite in every way, and the creative team is amazing.9. Heroes Season 3. Yep, I said it. I loved the “Villains” storyline despite the controversy. Having the cast focused on a common theme was a nice change. I continue to have a bit of a Sylar obsession, and I still want to save the cheerleader. After a dismal season two, I feel optimistic again.8. Wolverine: Old Man Wolverine Storyline. Mark Millar either hits or misses with me as a writer, but here he is hitting it out of the park. Did I mention that Steve McNiven is doing gorgeous art as well? I love the pairing of Wolverine with Hawkeye and watching the re-emergence of the savage part of the character has been fascinating to say the least.7. Aaron Lopresti on Wonder Woman. I love Gail Simone as a writer, but I have to give some props to the artist working with her. Lopresti draws a beautiful but fierce Diana, and I can’t get enough. The panel work is seasoned, and Lopresti adds an extra dimension to Simone’s vision. I hope he is on the book for the long haul. I miss his work when there is a fill-in. Lopresti deserves a steady run on a title, and I feel that the Wonder Woman fans are lucky to have him.6. Witchblade and Birds of Prey on DVD. I was thrilled when the DVD’s hit the shelves. I loved the Witchblade series and I had always wished I could have given BOP a second look. This has given me a second chance, and it has been a treat. I just want to know one thing: can Yancy Butler stay on the straight and narrow, and can the television series come back? I miss it! Honorable mention: Blade television series on DVD.6. Incredible Hercules. I was really poised to hate this book, as I was disgruntled by the dismissal of Hulk from his own title, but I have to say I was wrong. This book kicks ass! The relationship between Amadeus and Herc is one of the best developed and rich ones in comics today and I don’t say that lightly. I can’t recommend this title enough.5. Outstanding Mature Series of note: 100 Bullets, Fables, Boys, Fallen Angel, and Army @ Love. These mature titles have been some of the best work of the year. I am sad to see 100 Bullets and Fallen Angel coming to an end, as the entire development and production of these series has been phenomenal. Fables has given my childhood fairy tales a whole new life. Boys makes me laugh myself sick. Army @ Love is so damn clever and enchanting that it sucks me in every time. I love the fact that I am able to purchase and enjoy these books and that somehow it makes me feel that comics have grown up with me. 4. Discount Comic Book Service. The smartest move Jim and I made this year is to switch to an online comics service. I admit to some crappy customer service when I have problems, but I also admit to an ease and a peace I haven’t felt in years. I miss going to comic book shops, but I also know that my comics will be here in a timely fashion and I love that. Small town readers rejoice!3. Return of Nick Fury in Secret Invasion. I love Nick Fury. His comeback to the Marvel universe was well executed and proved that you can’t keep a good character down. He is just the shot in the arm that the endless stream of major events and crossovers needed. Irreverent, whip-smart, and as brilliant a tactician as I have ever seen, I hope Fury is back to stay.2. Iron Man and Dark Knight Movies. It was fun to go to the movies this spring and summer and two of the biggest reasons were these two flicks. I adored Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark and am foaming at the mouth for a sequel. Dark Knight was so perfectly executed that I was in complete awe the first time I saw it. Even better, the movie continues to improve with age- a rare feat in this day and age. A toast to two fantastic films that reaffirmed my faith in the murk and muck that was a potentially fatal comic book movie explosion.1. Gordon Lee case dropped. One of the most emotional moments for me this year as a comic book reader was learning that this frivolous witch hunt of a case was dumped. Having Neil Gaiman announce it at a CBLDF event was even more spectacular. This was a huge step in freedom of expression. I pray that it is a trend that continues.That is my list for 2008. Can you think of something I missed? Any disagreements or additions? Let me know! Join me tomorrow for the events to look for in 2009.

              • Author unknown

                Freedom of Speech

                http://thechipsterzone.blogspot.com/2008/12/freedom-of-speec...
                8 days ago in The Chipster Zone · Authority: 1

                With the impending inauguration of a new President, one that appears to be cut from a different cloth than our current one, maybe a different cloth than any in the last couple decades, it appears that more than just myself are reflecting on Freedom, and the ongoing fight to maintain or regain it right here in the good old USA. Neil Gaiman put down his credo a few weeks back; I could only fail to try to agree more. It's here; and well worth the time.I often quote from the Alan Shepard speech in the movie "The American President" written by Aaron Sorkin (the full speech is here) when trying to express my own thoughts on our freedom:America isn't easy. America, is advanced citizenship. You've gotta want it bad, 'cause it's gonna put up a fight. It's gonna say, "You want free speech? Let's see you acknowledge a man whose words make your blood boil, who's standing center-stage and advocating at the top of his lungs that which you would spend a lifetime opposing at the top of yours. You want to claim this land as the land of the free? Then the symbol of your country cannot just be a flag. The symbol also has to be one of its citizens exercising his right to burn that flag in protest." Now show me that, defend that, celebrate that in your classrooms. Then you can stand up and sing about the land of the free.I also hear Al Franken, reading from one his books today, talking about the home of the brave, and how it is a mature love that liberals have for our country, to want it to be better and to own up to its mistakes. It takes a brave people to do that -- and that'd be us.Labels: Al Franken, Free Speech, Neil Gaiman, Politics

                • Author unknown

                  Gaiman, Neil

                  http://www.wist.info/g/gaiman_neil/026270.html
                  8 days ago in WIST - "Wish I'd Said That!" - A Collection of Quotations · Authority: 1

                  You ask, What makes it worth defending? and the only answer I can give is this: Freedom to write, freedom to read, freedom to own material that you believe is worth defending means you're going to have to stand up for stuff you don't believe is worth defending, even stuff you find actively distasteful, because laws are big blunt instruments that do not differentiate between what you like and what you don't, because prosecutors are humans and bear grudges and fight for re-election, because one person's obscenity is another person's art. Because if you don't stand up for the stuff you don't like, when they come for the stuff you do like, you've already lost. -- Neil Gaiman (b. 1960) British fabulist • Neil Gaiman's Journal, "Why defend freedom of icky speech?" (1 Dec 2008 ) • Full text.

                  • Author unknown

                    Twenty Years for Sailor Moon?

                    http://boaltalk.blogspot.com/2008/12/twenty-years-for-sailor...
                    15 days ago in Nuts & Boalts · Authority: 27

                    I'm going to out myself as a bit of a nerd by posting this, but my interest in comics and the law collided today, when I came across this. It seems courts are upholding child porn convictions for porn that doesn't actually involve children. Twenty years for possessing erotic anime featuring girls that appear underage? (Don't all girls in anime look underage?)The Comic Book Legal Defense Fund (one of my favorite NPOs) has become a special consultant for the defense of a manga collector charged with possessing child pornography. This has split the comics community between those who view this as a first amendment issue (like Neil Gaiman) and those who see it as defending perverts.I side with the former. I don't buy the argument that people inevitably act on their fetishes, so I don't see why we should imprison people for fantasizing. In this case, I certainly don't approve of the fetish, but once you allow censorship of drawings, where do you draw the line? As Gaiman points out in the link above, the law is a blunt instrument, and it's very difficult to ban animated porn without also banning art.

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