Stop The Redactions
What’s with all the trigger word redactions in online stories?
I understand using redactions for personal information.
It’s obvious, based on context, that private details are blacked out.
And that’s appropriate.
But lately, I’ve seen random redactions.
Sometimes you can figure out what was written.
Most of the time you can’t.
All those blacked-out words turn the story into complete nonsense.
Words like “drugs,” “drunk,” and “assault” are censored.
Why?
I know these are trigger words, but if they are a necessary element to the story, then those are the words you need to use.
If you, the writer, aren’t comfortable using a particular trigger word, find a different term to use.
But don’t publish a piece with redactions.
It’s insulting to the reader.
It unnecessarily dumbs down your own story.
It’s the worst possible example of bowdlerizing.
If the story is not fit to share, don’t share it.
But if you are going to share it, have the courage to share every glorious word.
Stop with the redactions already.
Liz Brenner
Everyone has a story to tell.
Even you.
Especially you.
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