Taking A Stand

Netflix says no to content pressure from employees

The online streaming giant Netflix recently told employees enough is enough when it comes to political correctness speech and censorship — and if they don’t like it they can quit.

In October, many of the company’s workers objected to a Dave Chappelle stand-up comedy special called “The Closer.” They saw part of Chappelle’s routine as insensitive to transgender people and called on the streamer to pull the show from its lineup.

Netflix stood it’s ground. And now it’s drawing a line in the sand.

Earlier this month, the company issued employee guidelines that come down solidly on the side of free expression even if some find it offensive.

“While every title is different, we approach them based on the same set of principles: we support the artistic expression of the creators we choose to work with; we program for a diversity of audiences and tastes; and we let viewers decide what’s appropriate for them, versus having Netflix censor specific artists or voices,” the guidelines state, adding, “depending on your role, you may need to work on titles you perceive to be harmful. If you’d find it hard to support our content breadth, Netflix may not be the best place for you.”

Pretty clear. Don’t let the door hit you on the way out.

Some may see this as a stand against “woke” or “cancel” culture on the left. But right is just as vocal and quick to boycott anything that doesn’t tickle their eyes and ears.

Many content outlets cave under pressure from special interest groups. Sometimes the complaints have merit. But for the most part not. It’s important to remember free speech is a right. But there is no right not to be offended.

Looks like Netflix understands that.