Read My Jam

On the new anti self-harm Tumblr policy.

    http://staff.tumblr.com/post/18132624829/self-harm-blogs

    Once again, Tumblr has shown itself as being more in tune with it’s users than any other website I’ve ever had the privilege of being a part of. In case you don’t know (click the link above) Tumblr want to do something about the pro self-harm blogs that exist on this site. 

    While I do agree that free speech, and the ability to talk about anything is a basic human privilege, I also am very, very against anything that increases the amount of self-harm in the world. 

    Perhaps I’m not really the person to talk about this. I’ve never self-harmed myself in anyway, or even considered it. I cannot begin to really understand what would drive someone to it, though pity wells up inside me when I see someone has self-harmed, whether a friend or a total stranger. Not for the physical pain, no, but for the mental pain that pushed them to it.

    But anyway, I really can’t see any defence that can be made for blogs that promote or glorify self-harm. If they offer help, perhaps an allowance can be made. The argument of free speech sounds very weak when people are being hurt, or even killed because they have been convinced what they are doing is right. 

    I’d like to applaud Tumblr for the way in which they are doing this. Most corporations would simply ban everything that includes “anorexia” or “cutting” without consulting the community. There are many blogs that talk about these things, but with the aim of offering help. And it’s fantastically human for Tumblr to have noticed that, and make clear on their decision.  

(Source: readmyjam)