E-Commerce Times Talkback

Re: Hate Peddlers Pushed into Internet Corner
Posted by: ECT News 2001-05-09 18:32:59

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Sending a clear message that it will no longer tolerate the wares of intolerance, online
auction powerhouse eBay announced that it was expanding its guidelines prohibiting the
sale of items "that promote or glorify hatred, violence or racial intolerance."

It is likely that many American consumers agree that eBay's move signifies noble
intentions, but raises a number of questions.

Re: Hate Peddlers Pushed into Internet Corner
Posted by: darwyn 2001-05-11 13:17:36 In reply to: ECT News

eBay is neither a government agency nor the only auction site on the Internet; it's a private company and can conduct business however it wants to. No one's rights are violated if eBay decides to stop allowing certain types of items.

Re: Hate Peddlers Pushed into Internet Corner
Posted by: questor 2001-05-14 14:52:07 In reply to: darwyn

For the benefit of the author and any readers who may be confused
by the author's reference, here is the first amendment:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of
religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging
the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the
people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for
a redress of grievances.

As noted by darwyn, eBay is not a government agency so it can
abridge any speech it want to. Private businesses are not covered
by the first amendment -- thank goodness!

Re: Hate Peddlers Pushed into Internet Corner
Posted by: Scottishlass 2001-05-17 14:31:34 In reply to: questor

While it is true that Ebay is a private organization that can choose to do business in any way it sees fit, there are some things to remember. One has to consider how ethical it is to change your business policy to appease one voice, while completely excluding another's. True, you can find many items on Ebay that are "offensive" to someone. However, to be offended, you first have to deliberately search for these items! So, if these items offend you, wouldn't you be better off just not to search for them?

Who's to say what constitutes "offensive" material? If I were Muslim, wouldn't I find Jewish items offensive? If I were white, wouldn't I find black items offensive? If I were Christian, wouldn't I find satanic items offensive? What Ebay has done has not been done in an "equality" sense. It has essentially put out a message that Ebay itself is both racist (against Whites) and not an "open" community for all! If you notice, the items being banned are not Black Power, Jewish, Muslim, Christian, Chinese, etc...The majority of items being banned relate directly to White history.

A thought to leave you with....You cannot have diversity & equality, if ALL viewpoints are not equally represented!

Re: Hate Peddlers Pushed into Internet Corner
Posted by: TedDrew 2001-05-17 16:25:42 In reply to: Scottishlass

I don't care if eBay is a government agency or a private enterprise...it is the responsibility of all Americans to uphold the first amendment. Should we simply stop selling any merchandise that happens to offend a segment of the population? No one seems to understand the enormity of the damage that can be caused by overdoing this era of political correctness. I don't, but if I did want to buy or sell Ku Klux Klan memorabilia on an auction site, I should have that right. Where does it stop? And who should decide what is offensive and what is acceptable to the masses? I find this move by eBay frightening.