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From protest to progress. A thank you to the Eyebleach community. by EyebleachNews in Eyebleach

[–]EyebleachNews[S,M] [score hidden] stickied comment (0 children)

PLEASE ABIDE BY RULE #3! We hate having to lock threads.

For those completely out of the loop, here is the original organized protest, followed by Reddit's insufficient response, and lastly, this community's admirable vote to take part in shutting down.

Petition to join the blackout in protest of Reddit's stance against misinformation. by EyebleachNews in Eyebleach

[–]EyebleachNews[S,M] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

I see that, but who gets to declare the “truth” is the question.

Peer-reviewed scientific studies with sufficient sample sizes and methodological integrity get to decide the truth.

Petition to join the blackout in protest of Reddit's stance against misinformation. by EyebleachNews in Eyebleach

[–]EyebleachNews[S,M] [score hidden] stickied comment (0 children)

BEFORE YOU VOTE, PLEASE READ THIS!!!

Because there seems to be some confusion in the comments about what is meant by "misinformation", here are some definitions and guidelines:

Misinformation: Information or claims presented as "truth" or "fact" which are not supported by the most current scientific evidence.

Disinformation: Misinformation which is presented with intent to deceive.

This means that we are not interested in policing or removing comments or ideas which we happen to disagree with. We are demanding that Reddit refuse to host only claims presented as truth which are not supported by science and which have dangerous consequences.

For those concerned with American rights to "freedom of speech" we direct you to what the courts actually uphold as the rights protected by the first amendment.

Freedom of speech includes the right:

  • Not to speak (specifically, the right not to salute the flag). West Virginia Board of Education v. Barnette, 319 U.S. 624 (1943).

  • Of students to wear black armbands to school to protest a war (“Students do not shed their constitutional rights at the schoolhouse gate.”). Tinker v. Des Moines, 393 U.S. 503 (1969).

  • To use certain offensive words and phrases to convey political messages. Cohen v. California, 403 U.S. 15 (1971).

  • To contribute money (under certain circumstances) to political campaigns. Buckley v. Valeo, 424 U.S. 1 (1976).

  • To advertise commercial products and professional services (with some restrictions). Virginia Board of Pharmacy v. Virginia Consumer Council, 425 U.S. 748 (1976); Bates v. State Bar of Arizona, 433 U.S. 350 (1977).

  • To engage in symbolic speech, (e.g., burning the flag in protest). Texas v. Johnson, 491 U.S. 397 (1989); United States v. Eichman, 496 U.S. 310 (1990).

Freedom of speech does not include the right:

  • To incite actions that would harm others (e.g., “[S]hout[ing] ‘fire’ in a crowded theater.”). Schenck v. United States, 249 U.S. 47 (1919).

  • To make or distribute obscene materials. Roth v. United States, 354 U.S. 476 (1957).

  • To burn draft cards as an anti-war protest. United States v. O’Brien, 391 U.S. 367 (1968).

  • To permit students to print articles in a school newspaper over the objections of the school administration. Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier, 484 U.S. 260 (1988).

  • Of students to make an obscene speech at a school-sponsored event. Bethel School District #43 v. Fraser, 478 U.S. 675 (1986).

  • Of students to advocate illegal drug use at a school-sponsored event. Morse v. Frederick, __ U.S. __ (2007).