The news that Tumblr will ban adult content as of December 17 is unwelcome and unsurprising. It was only a matter of time once Verizon bought Yahoo. A big, conservative public company has more downside than upside to owning a platform dedicated to free expression in its many forms. They’re a bit like a suburban couple that wants to move into an “artsy” neighborhood in the city–so long as the art is safely in their comfort zone.
The Tumblr announcement correctly noted that there are many places to find adult content. The Internet is awash in them. They are, however, places to consume content. What I found distinctive and refreshing about Tumblr was that it allowed many people to curate and express their sexuality no matter what form, identity, or preference it reflected. People were free to be themselves, find others with similar interests, and be exposed to wide array of attitudes and practices in a non-judgmental, supportive environment. That is rare, indeed.
Apparently an incident with child pornography was the cause, or excuse, for this move. I, along with I’m guessing everyone reading this, find child pornography abhorrent. Those who exploit children, or anyone for that matter, in this way should be flogged and dragged through the streets. I’m also sure that I was not alone in blocking hook-up sites, trolls, and any follower who appeared underage. NSFW and 18+ only are in my site description.
This has been my visual oasis. I don’t think that I ever posted anything on this blog that I would consider “porn.” I did post erotica along with images I found evocative and beautiful of many things in addition to the human body. Many of my followers and those I follow did the same. Some are more explicit than others; I confined racier images to another blog. I’ll be interested to see how many past posts are deleted.
Sex and sexuality are part of who we are as humans. To express and share our desires and feelings is healthy. However, a big corporation is interested in acquiring data and selling advertising, not supporting an open, creative forum. That should surprise no one. I hope that an entrepreneur with a more open mind seizes the opportunity that Tumblr’s decision creates.
I think that I will keep whatever chaste version of this site survives so that, should a suitable alternative emerge, I will hear about it and can share that news with you, my fellow travelers, and reconnect in a better place. I will spend less time here just as I backed off from Facebook once I discovered what dystopian overlords run that operation.
I have not yet decided if I will go dark on the 17th or post images of censorship. What are you planning to do?
United in the struggle!