Freedom of Expression

Sorry if this sounds preachy, but I think many people here on DeviantArt have forgotten (or never learned in the first place) what it means to be a responsible artist.

I'm not here to judge the artistic merit of pieces submitted to this site - as I've said with another stamp, I'm not the almighty art god who decides what is and isn't art.

But, some art is more offensive than other; some is more controversial. People will often submit such art and say something in the artist comments like "and if you're offended then f*** you." or suchlike. Then they get butthurt when people tell them their art is in poor taste, and they say "I have a right to express myself."

To those of you who do that (and you know who you are), yes, you're absolutely correct. You have every right to express yourself however you choose, provided it conforms to dA's Terms and isn't illegal. On the other hand, people who are offended by your artwork also have every right to say so with their comments.

I'm not saying never draw controversial art. I do not support censorship. But if you're going to upload your gory drawing of a dead wolf, or your "I hate fags" stamp, or your "I like ___, deal with it" meme, then don't act all surprised and indignant when somebody gets upset over it. Be a responsible artist.

If you don't want me to say thank you, then don't fave it. If you accuse me of not looking at your profile, I will turn right around and accuse you of not reading the artist comments.

_{Thank you, $zilla774, for the template.}