Are there,or should there be boundaries concerning freedom of speech?

Question

It just seems as though we say anything to and about anybody,not knowing how we can damage them with our mere words. That old adage that "sticks and stones my brake our bones BUT WORDS can never harm me"
is a lie .How many people are now in therapy because of the way they were treated as a child,through words!
Verbal abuse ruins marraiges(can i get a witness?)
And i know that if we didn't have freedom of speech, we surely wouldn't have Yahoo answers.
But i'd still like to hear your well thought out responses.
Thankyou

Answer 1

When our forefathers passed the right of "freedom of speech", along to our nation, they failed to tell us that "all" speech is not acceptable. The definition, of what is allowed to be titled under, "freedom of speech", is monitored by those who gave us this privilege. As long as the speech we speak, is non-violent verbal sentiments, (examples, "kill, destruction, or elimination") toward our leaders, industries, society/ethic groups, etc etc) we can say anything and everything we want. But "if" we cross that line, we are way out of the realm of what they meant freedom of speech to imply. I don't normally discuss politics. I firmly believe that Government ran by men, is based on theroy that only men that think like the ones before them, actually ever get put in charge at the helm. As far as "freedom of speech" impairing others to not be verbally abusive, would take a army to control. To love and respect others, and verbally communicate with out abusing those around us, is left up to conditioning thru role models, such as parents, teachers, councilors, etc., etc. People retaliate with offensive conversation, when they can't physically control or make a point to others. There are more people than we can number that are actually in therapy because of others being so blatened with their words. They threw these words around not realizing the emotional effect the words has on others mentally. I have personally, had to deal with the word "stupid" from a very early age. When we were being punished for something we had done wrong, it was not enough for our parents to lecture and at times spank us, but it always came down to a verbal enhancement too, letting my siblings and me know that if we had not been so "stupid" we would not be in this siutation. After years and years of this confrimation, I will not use the word, for any reason. And yes there has been emotional consequences that have haunted me threw out my life. Verbal abuse runis all relationships.

Answer 2

I do not think there should be any limit to freedom of speech. I mean some people have some very nasty things to say that the majority of the population doesn't want to hear, but do they have the right to say it? Yes. My boyfriend grew up in a small town in the south where the KKK would make appearances and try to rally people. Although I do not condone the KKK's message I still believe they have the right to say what they want so long as they are not hurting anyone. I mean what if I had something to say that I was sure was right and true, but I wasn't allowed to say it because people didn't agree? Where would it end? Who has the right to say what? Who doesn't have the right? Who decides? Get my point?

Answer 3

...it seems to me that a lot of life is a balancing act.. that it's not the north and south extremes (using the poles as an example) but the equator or center.. gotta have free speech (and on a deeper level, free will) but also is the need for accountability and responsibility, and the two have to be balanced.. If I use my right to free speech to stir up hatred toward others or another group, etc.. Am I not then responsible for whatever acts of violence I may encourage? Unfortunately, human nature is not all that dependable at being fair, always kind and free of hatefulness and also selfishness and too much self interest.. so there is law and laws.. Personally, I think everything gets hazy when forces demand freedom and unrestricted free speech for those who hurt others.. If someone wants to harm another, I believe they have given up their right to freedom..

Answer 4

Legally, there are limits as to what we can say. Treats and slander can definately get you in big trouble, and like you mentioned verbal abuse can be very damaging.
I think the problem you've pointed out results from poor enforcment techniques. Unless we lived in a 'Big Brother' type society where the government listens to every word, there is no way to prove or monitor all that is said. Hope this helps..

Answer 5

I agree that freedom of speech is going too far! Politicians are allowed to say whatever they want without reprocutions but if you or I were to say the same things we would be put into jail. Words can be very hurtful and we should all be careful of what we say to or about others. We never know what the consequences will be. Look at Columbine Colorado.

Answer 6

to some extent u r right that there hould be a limit but as we all know that with freedom comes responsibility so it is i think in our hands that we use the freedom properly
but freedom shud definately be there

Answer 7

no.on the boundaries everyone has the right to voice their opinion. but we should all use caution in dealing with children as they are young and impressionable.They are our future, and we don't want wimps or cynics running our government..thats why we are where we are now..
I've taught both my daughters to speak thier minds without offending , its all a matter of phrasing.

Answer 8

Then you have to change it from "Freedom of Speech" to "Lack of Freedom of Speech"

Answer 9

there are limits - hate speech isn't a protected type of speech & you can't yell 'fire' in a crowed theater (unless there really is a fire) you can't incite violence, etc...