Self-denied Freedom of Speech *** The Steemit Pyramid of Power!
You think a post deserves to be flagged, but they could see you did it and they'll flag you back out of spite! And hey, their reputation is high, it'll do some damage!
So you shut your mouth and move on!
You notice yourself disagreeing with some content and get ready to make a harsh comment. But then it occurs to you that you'll get flagged, you'll lose money, reputation..
And again, you shut your mouth and move on!
Steemit is all about freedom from censorship, but what's the point when you censor yourself all day? Don't get me wrong, I'm all about being nice and kind, but the amount of times I stopped myself from expressing my disagreement makes me feel rather embarrassed.
I noticed a pattern here, and it's a bit scary! The higher your SP and reputation, the more power you have over the fish below you! Not many minnows will go arguing and attacking a whale, because they could destroy you easily if they set their mind to!
If this was any other platform you would let it all out and made sure they knew what you have to say. But on here you feel like a little kid at the grown ups' table, just because they have more cash!
You're either being extra nice to the 'big bosses' for attention or you mind your own business! So instead of freedom, you get a pyramid of power that convinces you to stay nice and quiet. And just like real life, power = money!
It's not the brightest direction this platform's going if you ask me, but let me know what you think!
Corina
Join us @steemitbloggers
Animation By @zord189
Actually this is something I like about steemit. This platform is teaching the new generation virtues of politeness and patience.
Your are saying that there is artificial self-imposed politeness specially towards the whales (rich Steemians).
I disagree with this point. Steemit has developed a culture of politeness and courtesy for all.
In any society or social platform, when social norms and values are established they don’t stay limited to the one particular class of people.
The kindness, politeness and courtesy at Steemit platform is awesome. Steemit is spreading positivity. I wish the whole world can become as positive and optimistic and polite and courteous as Steemit. 🌷🌷🌷
It is nice but it has no value if it isn’t genuine, if it has an interest or a fear behind it. It’s like chosing lies over truth because they are nicer
I have been on steemit for past seven months. I have never ever lied to anyone. I am a polite person in real life, so politeness and courtesy on Steemit is natural to me.
If you are not a polite person in real life, then being polite on steemit can feel artificial to you.
Have heard the phrase, “fake it, till you make it” ?
If you continue acting polite and courteous on steemit, it will eventually make you a nice and polite person in real.
It may appear fake to you in the beginning, but white time it will become your reality.
And trust me, That will be a very positive change.
Hi there, I have a fantastic reputation where I need and use my kudos. Here on steemit where I've no endgame or purpose other than to tell stories, educate, and comment on others on steemit, I have found many worthwhile people who look to Love over Power, but the point of misuse of reputation is the world's argument of Power over Love, and in the long run Love will triumph.
I didn't say win, because it's purpose is not a win/lose scenario, it's about appreciation and gratitude for every little thing, and the acknowledgement of responsibility for all one's own cause. If I remember my schooling from half a century and more ago; 'if one puts force at the objective, the subjective must follow,' and this speaks to me, that parity will eventually prevail over all unevenness. Keep on keeping on. 😇
Its quite true what you have said.... there is this sense of self censoring because of that structure. We already have ppl with big capital in the society and they will always try to use it in their advantage !! its tough to figure out a solid system..
I express my opinions regardless of whom may be offended, they have a choice to to follow me or perhaps my post may go unnoticed because of lack of viewers or flagging, but what matters is that I expressed my opinion and that is all it matters to me. God gave me free speech and liberty, therefore, the Government can't take it away and if they try I rather be death.
yes its true, others who rely on big one will not post a content that express this hearts. This is earning so I understand them but I hope they will not forget the essence of blogging.
For a moment there I was worried you could read my mind as every one of those proposed scenarios holds true for me at different times.
We need to be the change we want on this site! Surely there are some witnesses that wish to fix Steemit. Question is where and how do you find them?
Thats one of the problems of this social network.
To me the problem goes back to the man in the mirror, and the solution is also there
I think we should take the good and not so good comments to grow. Those who are above is for something, and we can learn from it. There I read a user insulting another for having obtained many votes because he took advantage of a trend. We are not to measure ourselves in a toxic way, we can take the good from the others and improve ourselves.
If my translation is not good is because I actually read you translating X) I gsutan your posts and I'm looking for the best way to read you.
I think we are free to deal with sincerity and if we see something that is not right, correct with respect to help each other. Regards!
So true - I think in general here because of the potential for rewards people are overly nice - which in general is a good thing atleast we dont get the moaning etc like on Facebook.
I agree we should be able to speak our own minds and have our own opinions without fear of being flagged to 0 rep
I think you make a great point @corina
There have been a few times already in my relatively short time on steemit where I have either slightly tempered my views on one of my posts or have disagreed with a post but not bothered commenting or watered my comment down.
To add to your discussion with another commenter that disagreed with you, I think there is a clear difference between two arguments here. One, treating each other with respect at all times should be standard whether we agree or disagree. Two, there is a difference between disagreeing and voicing your opinion versus being polite and respectful. Let's not get the two mixed up which is what, I think, the commenter is doing.
Freedom of speech is/should be fundamental to our way of life. We should all be honest with each other, we should respect our difference of opinion and we should do it all in a polite and non aggressive way.
I agree with you. If we continue to hide our true feelings and lie to ourselves and others then what's the point.
When it comes to flagging and reputation, maybe one opinion, no matter how much steem they own, should not have the power to destroy an accounts rep. Surely that should always come down to the majority rule. What do you think?
Gaz
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