Last night, I was having a detailed and (slightly) out of hand discussion with someone about whether or not free speech should have its limits. In a part of the world where we are free to speak what comes to mind, do we-realistically-need censorship? And if so, where do we draw the line?
The distance between political/moral correctness and freedom to express oneself is somewhat of a No-Manβs Land. Is it okay to express that the feeling that all Muslims are terrorists? All same sex relationships are the work of the devil? What about, for example, standing outside an abortion clinic, attempting to change the mind of a possible patient? The social dilemma causes discomfort, conflict from either sides.
Hereβs the thing.
There is no doubt that we are extremely fortunate not to live in a dictatorship with a totalitarian government. Whilst British democratics leave a lot to be desired for, the voting system, the right to peaceful protests, is something that I will always be exceptionally grateful for. Even if the People’s choice is often unconsidered and disappointing.
My opinion is that there has to be a middle ground. Yes, free speech is a blessing. But there has to be some form of compromise.
We’ve all been at a party, at a family gathering, at a social event, and heard great aunt Greta call great aunt Julie a “fat old cow”, to which she says is an “unnecessary personal attack”. At this point, Greta stands tall and says “I’m entitled to my opinion, it’s a free country”.
And that, of course, may well be the case. But is it right to offend simply because we can? Surely that’s absurd.
Stephen Fry recently said:
βIt’s now very common to hear people say, ‘I’m rather offended by that.’ As if that gives them certain rights. It’s actually nothing more… than a whine. ‘I find that offensive.’ It has no meaning; it has no purpose; it has no reason to be respected as a phrase. ‘I am offended by that.’ Well, so fucking what.”
Personally, I think that to take that stance is immature; somewhat inconsiderate-unnecessary. If somebody has been offended by something that’s been said, we should take care to treat them more sensitively. After all, the aim is to portray a certain opinion, not bulldoze their emotions. So, on this occasion-as on many others-I have to disagree with Mr Fry.
My counter-argument, ultimately, as a short and sweet answer, would be that this is what it boils down to: you have the right to be abusive with your words. But a responsibility, as a human being, not to be.
Yeah, as you said, you have the right to say whatever you want but that doesn’t mean we should. It is important I would add censorship like that is more internal (I.E I wouldnt say those awful things because I dont believe doing so is right) rather than an external, top down stifling of free speech. Trying to force people to avoid saying something offensive will usually backfire, they need to decide themselves. Fingers crossed they do haha.
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Sorry for the slow reply! I agree with you. I don’t believe in enforced restrictions, but rather more education and responsibility. Thank you for reading, and also for commenting! π
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To a point I agree, but that is of course in context. Social gatherings we should try to get along and obviously censor ourselves at family get togethers. But on our blogs, on our pages, in our space… we can be free! We are free. π
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That’s a really valid point, actually :). However, sometimes I think we underestimate the power of the internet. Things that are typed rather than said can still offend. For example, I’d still find it very distasteful and would be upset by reading a racist, homophobic or sexist post-because these are still words and still have an impact on those who stumble across them. Typing something on a keyboard is very often similar to announcing something in a busy room.
But it’s interesting :). Thank you for commenting :).
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I agree it is offensive, but at that point it is your choice to read or not to. That’s a big difference in my book from someone that throws their opinions in your face. π
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That’s a different stance on things, I get where you’re coming from π Although, theoretically, I suppose that’s true, I’m still not sure that, morally, it’s acceptable to be offensive on the internet just because it’s “your right”. Free speech is amazing, but always has the potential to be toxic-regardless of the format-if people don’t use it with care and consideration :).
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This was another great post, I’ve always for free speech to really work means that we all have the freedom to think through and consider what we say “before” we say it. I’m glad we live in a world where freedom of expression can be taken for granted, but freedom of speech would be all the more powerful if we are aware of the power of words.
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Thank you! I agree completely, words have more power if you use them appropriately. Thank you for your support! π
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LOVE the last line! Thank you for reminding us of the importance of responsibility, which at times needs to take precedence over our rights.
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Thank you! I’m glad you agree, sometimes I think issues just need to be brought to light π x
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I totally agree. I like to think that we live in a world full of compromises and that there is a sort of limit to everything. And that last sentence definitely nailed it. Another awesome post! π
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Thank you Kate! π I don’t know if you’ve tried to email me, but if you have I’m not ignoring you, I just haven’t been able to log into my account! Speak soon π
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Totally agree. People seem to think “free speech” means they can say what they want without any consequence. There may not be legal consequence, but if you say something offensive or idiotic, other people have the right to respond and treat you like you’re mean or stupid.
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I think so :). Free Speech is such a good thing, but not when it’s used to cause deliberate offence. When we live in a free country, we must be mature and responsible; it’s the price we have to pay π
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