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tysonwig.txt
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1996-03-11
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24 Hours of Democracy [24 Hours Home]
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Tyson Wigley
I remember when I first came in contact with the World Wide Web. It was a
couple of months into the 1994-1995 school year. I was at a new school
where the curriculum was based around technology. We were given access to
the Web, every student got their own e-mail account, and there was a 1
computer to every 4 students ratio. Now it's about 1 computer to every 2
students. Our school is based on technology.
My dad had explained the Web to me but I still was clueless as to what it
looked like, and what kind of information you could access. After we could
access the Web from school, I kept away from it. I'm not sure if I was
intimidated by the Web, or I didn't want to become addicted like most of
the other kids in the school. My curiosity finally got the best of me, so I
broke down and booted off some little computer junkie. It probably was the
simplicity of the Web that got me. I couldn't believe that by just clicking
on a word or picture that was highlighted in blue, could take me to a page
on Letterman's top ten list, my favorite band, dirty jokes, how to plant a
garden, the president, and of course the ever popular pornography. I was in
awe.
Until recently I had never really used the Web for anything but strictly
entertainment purposes. I was aware of the opportunities that were at my
finger tips, I just choose not to put them to use.
My dad works for the Utne Reader putting up an online magazine called the
Utne Lens. As a part of this online magazine they recently introduced the
Utne Cafe. It's a place where people can conference on certain issues
dealing with everyday life. Some of the conferences include: arts,
bodymind, media, music, travel and sex. These are just a few of the
conferences you can choose from.
Lately I have been talking with my parents about marijuana. You name it, we
talked about it: industrial use, recreational use, the history, and
legalization. My dad suggested I join the Utne Cafe and discuss this topic
with other adults, I agreed, and so my dad gave me an account.
The Utne Cafe provided me with a atmosphere where I could talk with adults
about marijuana with out having people blow me off because I'm a teenager.
After my first posting I received a pleasant response. I have a great
relationship with my parents so I can talk with them about almost anything
that's on my mind. But if my relationship with my parents was unstable, and
I couldn't talk with them about my problems, or questions I had dealing
with subjects such as drugs and sex which are some of the bigger issues
kids of today have to deal with, I could get on the cafe and get feedback
from other parents or adults.
I'm not real familiar with this new law about indecent material on the Web,
that is going into effect. But I do understand that it is against the law
to have indecent material on your Web site, such as a swear word or
pornography, that can be accessed by minors. Technically I'm a minor. Which
would make it illegal for me to be a member of the Utne Cafe because there
are occasional swear words that appear in people's postings.
I'm not informed on the issue enough to defend the pornographic material so
I won't. But having the government take away my right to have a intelligent
conversation on the Web with other students or adults because I'm exposed
to a little foul language, is in my mind going overboard on censorship.
Tyson Wigley
Northfield, MN
USA
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