Privacy and Blogs
The new discussion about the ban on blogs at the Catholic school reminded me of articles I saw this summer about a high school student in Memphis whose blog entries about being sent to a Christian rehabilitation center to “cure” his homosexuality drew national attention to his situation. His parents thought they could send him away and he would come back straight. Gay rights advocates nationwide took to his cause and offered their support. He ended up blogging about his appreciation for everyone’s support but asked them to leave him alone. He never meant to become anyone’s poster child.
I think we often forget that the virtual communities are comprised of real-life people. While what is said and done in the vitual world can be left there, one also runs the risk of having his comments brought into the real world. Maybe the concerns of the administrators at the Catholic school are more valid than some give them credit for.
This story was a big deal, both in social awareness and blogging. I found tons of blogs that posted this article as well as their thoughts on it. There is even a Free Zach Myspace page, for all of his supporters. But I could not find Zach’s actual blog. Does anyone know the address?
Comment by heymeamy — October 30, 2005 @ 7:22 pm