upholdingthese

Upholdingthese is a term used in contemporary discourse to describe the practice of maintaining a defined set of norms, values, or principles within a group or institution. The phrase treats these standards as a living framework that guides decisions, behaviors, and governance, rather than as a one-time declaration. While the term is not tied to a single codified doctrine, it is commonly invoked in discussions of codes of conduct, ethical guidelines, and mission statements.

Etymology and usage: The compound form combines "upholding" with "these," a referent for the group's established norms. It appears in online forums, organizational charters, and strategic documents, often as a concise justification for accountability measures, moderation decisions, or policy enforcement. In practice, upholdingthese implies that actions should be evaluated against the stated standards and that deviation from them should be addressed through defined processes.

Principles and mechanisms: Proponents emphasize transparency, fairness, consistency in applying norms, and the resilience of a community's normative framework across changes in leadership or membership. Implementations may include public codes of conduct, routine audits of decisions, documented appeals, and on-boarding processes that clarify which norms qualify as "these."

Criticism and discussion: Critics argue that the term can be vague, enabling authoritarian enforcement or the suppression of dissent under the cover of "upholdingthese." Proponents counter that clear definitions, participatory rule-making, and regular review help mitigate misuse. The balance between upholding norms and allowing legitimate critique remains a central topic in debates surrounding the concept.