Justice for the Deviant Artist

~InGodzHandz Nov 18, 2012

Dear deviant art administrators,
I have heard that someone's art has been deleted for showing scars of former self-harm on her arms. I can understand why the art would be deleted. The art we see can inspire the way we think. So, I can understand that you do not want to be responsible for already insecure teenagers hurting themselves as a result of something they have seen on this site glorifying the activity.
However, from what I have seen, the people who talk about self-harm in their art for the most part do not wish to inspire anyone to cut themselves. They talk about it to be honest about what they are dealing with and look for support. For survivors, it is a medium for them to inspire others that healing is possible. As I have seen in this website, deviantart.com is not just a place to share art. It is a place where artists bond with each other and give each other their support. For people who struggle in the real world, it can be a way to connect with others who struggle in the same way they do. There are clubs for self-harmers or former self-harmers to talk to each other and encourage each other to keep going. The people who join them are encouraged and feel that they have found a place where they are not alone.
However when their art is deleted because it talks about their former lives, how does that make them feel? How can they feel that they can belong when their expressions, their encouragements, or their cries for help are constantly being censored? I fear they might give up on life because they feel that the world will never accept them for who they are.
Please, I know that you are busy. I know that you want to avoid legal trouble and avoid influencing people to do bad things. The artists who post the pictures feel the same way. Let their voices be heard. Do not just delete a picture for what it shows but investigate the person behind it to see if they are really glorifying these violent acts instead of seeking help. Please. This website is an awesome resource for many people. Do not shut out the people who may need attention the most.
Sincerely,
InGodzHandz

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Devious Comments

~kitsumekat Nov 19, 2012

No.

~DavidScript Nov 19, 2012 Hobbyist Digital Artist

?noitalitum dna mrah-fles ,yrujni lautca gniwohs shpargotohp timbus ew naC :482# QAF

!prosaix Nov 19, 2012

FAQ #284: Can we submit photographs showing actual injury, self-harm and mutilation?
FAQ #284: Can we submit photographs showing actual injury, self-harm and mutilation?
FAQ #284: Can we submit photographs showing actual injury, self-harm and mutilation?

`nokari Nov 18, 2012 Professional Interface Designer

Regardless of what people say about their old pictures helping themselves, that doesn't change the fact that those are triggers and can encourage strangers to start cutting themselves. I think some people treat this place with the sense of having their own little bubble that doesn't affect anyone else, which is far from the truth. Ultimately, the "legal troubles" and responsibility dA has to keep this a safe place in order to avoid being shut down for condoning self-harm or being the source of someone's publicly made self-harming, or worse (suicide), which trumps whatever arguments you or others have. This is simply not the place for it. Is it censoring? No, it's protection for dA and all of its members.

~InGodzHandz Dec 1, 2012

I guess when you put it that way, it makes sense.

=puppy-dangerous Nov 18, 2012 Professional General Artist

Against the TOS. And this isn't a therapy site, if they feel the need to show their scars and get support there are other pages for that.

~InGodzHandz Nov 18, 2012

Many people do use this site for therapy and it helps them. This place is also an online community.

~siantjudas Dec 1, 2012 Digital Artist

Many people also use this site to post porn of all kinds, to post stolen artwork, and other various things that range from simply unethical but not wrong, to flat out illegal. But just because people can use this site for something doesn't mean that it is ok. The rules of using this site clearly state that images of REAL self harm are prohibited and will be removed.

As a private company DA has the right to restrict that, in agreeing to use this site, you agree to follow their rules. The rules do not prohibit images of simulated self harm.

I'm the last person to condemn a person for self harm of any kind having been there, but also, this isn't the place, it's a simple matter of following the rules of the site, and beyond that, who ever it is that you're white knighting for should've been smarter than to explicitly state that it was real or show any proof that it was, instead trying to get attention.

~InGodzHandz Dec 1, 2012

I guess you're right.

^neurotype Nov 19, 2012 Hobbyist General Artist

They can talk about it and privqtely share those pictures.

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