I work in an industry in which the very real threat of legal action exists if you mis-speak, or in some way bring offense to another. In the interest of protecting the downtrodden we've created, in my opinion, a web of laws and rules that surround the facade of personal liberty. I'm NOT saying I like to offend anyone. I AM saying, however, that there are plenty of people looking for offense, and they've successfully infiltrated the very core of how Americans think, vote, and even speak. I'm tired of it all. So, what's more important to you ..... the freedom to speak your mind, even if it's not pleasant to the ears of others, or the freedom to be free from the offensive thoughts, speech, religions, politics, etc., of others?
2006-07-11 06:00:49 · 8 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
This is a spectacular question. Freedom of speech is absolutely essential to any healthy body politic: without the ability to express one's self and one's ideas, no change can be affected and people who are dissatisfied with the current status quo have no way to convince others of their ideas, and such stifling of dissent can only manifest itself in anger and violence.
On the other hand, at the core of freedom of speech is the protection of the marketplace of ideas and civilized discourse. Politics has always been the favorite child of freedom of speech because it is so critical to the health of the body politic. Trouble arises when people take advantage of the freedom to gratuitously offend others - i.e., to merely insult, not to attempt to persuade or convince. It is, however, difficult to draw the line: what constitutes use of the freedom and what constitues abuse?
Therefore, there should be a delicate balance between the two, but if one has to err, then it should be erring on the side of freedom of speech.
2006-07-11 06:11:07 · answer #1 · answered by JoeSchmoe06 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Freedom of Speech
2006-07-11 13:05:15 · answer #2 · answered by ricgrif 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Freedom of speech is a right I hope we never have taken away. But manners and respect for others is something that should be taught at home and too seldom is.
I tried to raise my son with the motto, never to blurt out what you think before considering the consequences. It's worked for me for 54 years.
Sometimes, like on these political ranting sites. It's fun to rile up the opposition. It just good clean arguing.
2006-07-11 13:07:09 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Freedom of speech. Politically Correct is in vogue, remember. I agree - many people are just looking for an excuse to go legal on somebody. If you read "Dilbert" by Scott Adams, you can find a LOT of parodying of those people. The fun part is that you can post them in your workplace and those people don't ever think that it's about them!
2006-07-11 13:08:20 · answer #4 · answered by Rockmeister B 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The freedom for me to speak my mind is more important, I think.
2006-07-11 13:11:41 · answer #5 · answered by brevejunkie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Free speech and common courtesy are not mutually exclusive.
Unless of course you hold some rather repugnant believes and don't realize it, which, sadly, is very common
2006-07-11 13:05:51 · answer #6 · answered by roberto g 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would prefer freedom of speech. You can stop offences.
2006-07-11 13:10:39 · answer #7 · answered by ? 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i believe that all should have freedom of speech,i also believe that all should take classes in how to convey their speech.
2006-07-11 13:06:33 · answer #8 · answered by deerwoman777 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋