Solving one problem by creating another is what the insipid call Progressive !

Indy I do not expect you to embrace progressive thinking, being a stick in the mud crusty old conservative as you are. In your whole life have you ever supported change of any kind, me thinks not.

The conservative approach to education in general has always been, it should be reserved for the elite, seeing themselves as the rightful elite of society.

"Free speech — the debate"

There has been public debate in Australia and elsewhere about protest action by academics and student groups which are said to demonstrate a worrying intolerance for the expression at universities of views which are considered harmful in various ways.
Contributors to the debate straddle the spectrum from the censorious, through the thoughtful and concerned, to the chronically angry libertarians. Both ends of the spectrum are capable
of over the top language in strikingly similar terms when complaining that a contentious view has been allowed or not allowed a platform on campus."

"The debate has often centred on notions of harm inflicted on vulnerable groups within the university or on society generally, often by what is called ‘hate speech’. The vulnerable groups may include racial, ethnic or national groups, and LGBTQI people. They may be victims of abuse or violence."

"In his essay ‘On Liberty’ John Stuart Mill said that ‘the only purpose for which power can be rightfully exercised over any member of a civilised community, against his will, is to prevent harm to others. That statement begs the question – what is ‘harm’? It begs that question acutely when it is applied to restrictions on freedom of expression. Harm is a concept in which contestable value judgements are intimately involved. What one person regards as harmful another may legitimately view as bearing no adverse consequence.

Indy I do not expect you to embrace progressive thinking,
Paul1405,
I've tried it but seeing how the term Progressive is so misused & experiencing the results of so-called progressive thinking, I found it to be the most direct route to mayhem of all sorts !
Without practical logic & common sense there is no such thing as progressive l
In an academic sense the term progressive is the ultimate but in actual reality & outcome it turned out to be the exact opposite. It's there for all to see on a daily basis !
That's why economic & social decisions cannot be left in the hands of the Progressives.
Unless of course mayhem & disaster is what people want !

individual,

You just used the term 'social decision'.

I've never run across this term so could you please give me some examples of a social decision?

ALTRAV,

Regarding this discussion?

I explained my purpose in my opening post. It
appears to be clear to the people who have chosen
to respond.

You say that the forum will not change as a result
of this discussion. That's not this discussion's
purpose.

As for political correctness and free speech?

What you call political correctness I call civility
and good manners.

I am appalled by your loudly saying repugnant things
you probably don't even believe in - in order to
enrage the "keyboard warriors" on this forum.
Because that impedes the search for truth and makes
your targets look decent by comparison.

Everyone should feel comfortable speaking their minds
as long as they're polite. In slogan form - Its not what
you say, it's how you say it.

Every child knows the basic of politeness. Talk nicely.
Don't yell. Don't call names. Listen and respond to what
people literally say. Don't personally insult people.
Don't take generalisations personally. If someone's
meaning is unclear don't put words into their mouths ask
them to clarify.

And of course don't escalate. If someone's impolite the
polite response is to end the conversation, not respond in
kind.

All this is referred to as "tone policing". And its'something
we all should do. But we don't unfortunately. I'm just as
guilty as anyone else and I also do react when pushed too
far. However, I do keep trying and will continue to do so.

"Keyboard warriors" are unfortunately - one-sided
tone policers. They fail
to police their own tones. Proper tone policing is what
makes conversation and discussion productive and
pleasant. That's why the forum has certain rules. And
compliance is important to make it pleasant
and safe for all. That's why in our society in general we
have the rule of law.

Yet still, the forum allows us so much lee way. We are able
to say what we think with very rare censorship. But pulling
us up on occasion is an attempt in keeping things pleasant
for all. And of course the more pleasant coversation is,
the more we're likely to constructively converse.

Hi Foxy,
Sometimes the best questions are the simplest ones.

"What do I like about this forum?"

The freedom to speak my mind and say more or less ANYTHING I want without censorship, I've never had a comment removed yet.
And I think sad that it's come to this in Australia.

I think the forum could use a fresh look and be updated.
But I also think it's kind of like an old pub in that when they do the renovations and bring in new people its never the same.