Freedom of speech
May 20th 2010 13:33
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Today was, on some websites, draw Mohammed day. This came about to supposedly celebrate free speech and protest the censoring of artworks, namely those that chose to portray the prophet.
I am a big believer in free speech and i think everyone has the right to express their opinions; some may be less valid or interesting than others but none the less they should have the chance to be heard. Voltaire summed it up when he said "I disagree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it".
But then there are people who really get to me, they are the ones who incite hatred in others, intentionally, and then claim they are just using their right to free speech. This is an insult to people everywhere who are persecuted, incarcerated or even murdered for trying to express themselves. Political activists die every day fighting for people to have the same basic rights that we westerners take for granted.
I respect what people were trying to do with the whole Mohammed thing, censorship isn't cool so why not take a stand for it; plus it was sort of a fuck you to the guy who murdered Theo Van Gogh. But there were some people who did it because they thought it was funny to see how angry Muslims would get, and because they had a prejudice against the religion. This is not free speech, this is dickery.
Freedom of speech allows us to see things from different perspectives. Along the way there will be arguments but this allows both sides to share their points and maybe even give an insight that other people hadn't considered. Childish name calling isn't constructive or helpful to anyone so once again, you can't really defend it.
I'm not sure if everyone will get this post, i just wanted to put my point of view out there. I think people should stop pushing the boundaries of what they should say and maybe think a little more about what it is they're saying. Use your right to free speech, never let anyone silence you, but don't abuse the right that so many people are denied.
I am a big believer in free speech and i think everyone has the right to express their opinions; some may be less valid or interesting than others but none the less they should have the chance to be heard. Voltaire summed it up when he said "I disagree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it".
But then there are people who really get to me, they are the ones who incite hatred in others, intentionally, and then claim they are just using their right to free speech. This is an insult to people everywhere who are persecuted, incarcerated or even murdered for trying to express themselves. Political activists die every day fighting for people to have the same basic rights that we westerners take for granted.
I respect what people were trying to do with the whole Mohammed thing, censorship isn't cool so why not take a stand for it; plus it was sort of a fuck you to the guy who murdered Theo Van Gogh. But there were some people who did it because they thought it was funny to see how angry Muslims would get, and because they had a prejudice against the religion. This is not free speech, this is dickery.
Freedom of speech allows us to see things from different perspectives. Along the way there will be arguments but this allows both sides to share their points and maybe even give an insight that other people hadn't considered. Childish name calling isn't constructive or helpful to anyone so once again, you can't really defend it.
I'm not sure if everyone will get this post, i just wanted to put my point of view out there. I think people should stop pushing the boundaries of what they should say and maybe think a little more about what it is they're saying. Use your right to free speech, never let anyone silence you, but don't abuse the right that so many people are denied.
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Comment by angelbird72
Cooking with Feeling
Here in Australia, there is no general right to free speech. But funnily enough, the populace doesn't know that. So much American TV and literature comes here that people think we have that right when we don't.
Now don't get me wrong, I don't actually thing we need an explicit right to free speech here, but that is a long conversation and I think I've gotten a little side tracked so I'll get back to my point.
I liked your post. It came down to the essence of the idea and utility of free speech - respecting other people's opinions and in the process challenging views that may turn out to be wrong, or strengthening those that are right. It treated a controversial issue in a comprehensive, succinct and interesting way, and after all of the bigotted and just plain jerk-like statements I've read about these things lately it is a relief to come across someone sensible.
Comment by kylie humphries
Think Past
The MEDIAtor
Comment by Spring-Heeled Jack
Over.Exposure
There are many things we can do in life, and no doubt deserve to have a right to, but that doesn't necessarily mean that we should.
Due diligence - much overdue!
Comment by sam sall
Health and Fitness
Speech Starter
Health Matters
people need to respect other believes and cultures...