From the get-go, this has been one of my primary concerns with Steemit... And if this isn't addressed and a reasonable solution presented soon, I foresee Steemit falling down a path that is horrendously status quo of all systems that allow itself to be run by the military-industrial complex; a place that takes on a mob-mentality of trite triviality where truly intelligent and thoughtfully honest content is buried alive by emotional emasculation and sycophantic censorship.
Remember!! This brand of aggressive suppression and hateful prejudice always starts out small and targeting the minority... But if no one speaks out, and the community as a whole ignores what is happening, the consequences are obvious and historical... To quote Martin Niemöller:
First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.
Thanks for your thoughtful support! We speak out because to not do so is a violation of our standards. Censorship is dishonorable, whether it is a minnow or a whale that wields that power. We understood that Steemit was free of censorship, which is one reason we found it so exciting and revolutionary. Unfortunately, we're witnessing that this is not the case. We call for all users to consider their VALUES so this community can grow and learn and succeed from these challenges! We're here to present our new paradigm because everyone can benefit from our experience and expanded awareness! We want to see everyone happy and healthy and free, because we know it is possible! We want to be part of an honorable and accountable community, so we speak out.
Well said. Great vocabulary!
In reading @everlove's reply, I was inspired to write my own article offering potential solutions about what can be done to keep flagging in the system but allow some sense of accountability for those who are using it - OR, at the very least, I'm calling for discussion and attempting to get the big founding whales to see what many struggling minnows and dolphins see:
There's a hole in the bottom of the sea...
And if we, as a community, do not come together soon... Well let's just say I have better things to do than to get sucked up in a hole that is sinking my valuable time and precious energy.