Censoring is an interesting topic as it pertains to the writing center. The first example given of the boy who, in a predominantly female-based course, decided to go through with writing his paper with sexist ideals is a great paradigm for not only censoring but helping students as well. As writing consultants students we strive to help students voice their thoughts and opinions through their writing; however, when their ideas contradict with societal standards (writing sexist, racist, etc remarks) we are conflicted in deciding whether or not to euphemize their papers or to continue to help them. If we advise them to alter their thoughts so as not to seem offensive then we are, whether we know or not or like it or not, censoring them. So if presented with a paper and a student like the one mentioned in the article do we: continue to help them despite the fact that they may receive a lower grade and lose any respect they may have obtained, or do we unfortunately censor them in hopes of trying to save them?
My personal opinion? I would help them.
Whether or not I like what they are saying I will only try and help them make valid arguments using sound logic because I am not the one grading them.
But do you think there is ever a time when you would want to let a writer know that something he had written was offensive to you? Is there a way to read as a member of his potential audience and try to figure out if his words might be offensive in that context? As a writer, I would want a reader who had that insight to share it with me! I guess it is all about "how" and "when."
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