4 ms·
I agree with the first sentence (Whence the e-giant custodians?)but not the second. Every major institution throughout history (kingdoms, churches, trade compan
by Dracophoenix 6y ago
I agree with the first sentence (Whence the e-giant custodians?)but not the second. Every major institution throughout history (kingdoms, churches, trade companies) has enforced top-down norms and expectations (i.e prescriptive norms). This was the case even mid- and late- 20th century America (i.e post-Sexual Revolution). There were respites from the prying eyes of society. Secret parties, meetups with friends, country clubs, and, for the technically-inclined, an early Internet/BBS/Usenet culture. But they were all generally exceptions to prescriptive norms of the general society (notwithstanding the existence of their own specially-tailored conventions) simply because few people were aware of these things at the time or cared enough to make a big stink out of them to a large enough audience.
- throwaway8581 6y agoYes that’s my whole point. The norms being enforced now aren’t those of “general society” but of a tiny elite. That’s what’s different.
- Dracophoenix 6y agoI think you missed my point. The rules of general society have always been written by a tiny elite regardless of said society's size or purpose. Just one reinforced by the masses either out of ignorance, zealous belief, or uncritical support. It's the latter portion of society that one generally has to worry about when finding an escape valve. These days the big difference isn't so much about who's writing the rules so much as its about the tools available to these people/companies/interest groups and their respective motives/criteria for using them.