Sometimes a person gets "baited" into it, and that isn't fair. Looks like we lost another talented artist because of the assinine actions of a few.

Can you point out where the baiting was? The picture was provocative, not bait.

Her gallery was there yesterday, and now it's gone. That's about the sixth person I see leave Renderosity for reasons of intolerance on so-called "free speech."

I remember something about her objection to another's free speech on the basis of it's offensiveness.

Yet, when someone says something against outrageous posts, they are the ones that get sniped. It is NOT unAmerican to be kind, and thoughtful towards others. I am so tired of people jumping on someone because they question the value. Isn't that under "free speech" too?

This is the part that always makes me lose friends. ^_^

Here is the nature of the First Amendment: People have the right (and sometimes the duty) to go against norms and accepted behavior so long as they do not harm anyone physically or make the threat to do so.

Nowhere does the Constitution state that I have the right to not be offended. Nowhere does it say that the world has to remain fluffy bunnies and pink candy floss.

It is American to piss off your neighbors with your beliefs. It's American to have a hissy fit and stomp off because people won't kowtow to your personal aesthetic, unfortunately.

It's not American, in my ever so humble opinion, to demand that others' free expression be curtailed because you are not adult enough to exercise the freedom to look away.

No one "sniped" at her for objecting, but pointed out she had the right to look away. I recall the only snide post being after she stomped her wee feet, took her toys and went home because we're all stinkmeanies.

R'osity has it's own guidelines. Since the picture is still up after this little fest o' fun, I'm assuming it didn't violate them.

There are plenty of places on the 'net for artists. I'm certain she'll find one that will not challenge her sense of propriety. That will allow her to remain in her happy place, and those of us to remain in our relatively un-curtailed space of creative expression.

Is this unfortunate? Yes. Is the departure of the OP something I'm going to lose sleep over? No. Not really. I want to share spaces on the net with people who are not afraid to express themselves for fear of offending others.

Not to rank the picture in question among the greats, but artists have been offending people since the beginning of tribalism, and using their mediums to provoke thought, dissent, and discussion. Purposeful art is necessary, even if you disagree with it's purpose. It ain't just about making pretties.

Finally, for your enjoyment, some Thomas Paine:

"He that would make his own liberty secure, must guard even his enemy from opposition; for if he violates this duty he establishes a precedent that will reach himself."

RC