How come most people don't seem to realize that freedom of speech only applies to government action?

Question

People are always clamoring about freedom of speech, but many private individuals do have a right to curtail your speech. E.g. a restaurant owner or home owner could ask you to leave because of offensive speech.

Answer 1

Of course, because that is not on public domain. The first Amendment only applies to areas of Government owned property. Every individual private citizen or business owner has the right to kick you off their property for offensive language unless the law states otherwise (for instance when talk of a "Union" comes up in a workplace, the law prohibits termination of employees for such a movement).

Answer 2

Err, your wrong.

Freedom of speech is the protected right in the US for you to speak your mind, and express yourself. The actions people CHOOSE to do, because of your expressions and speech, is THEIR freedom of speech.

So yes, you're right, if you are in someone elses property, or sign your rights away for a company so you can get paid... you are effectively putting yourself within THEIR extension of their freedom. So, they can express it all the want.

In other countries, it would be up to the government - not the private parties - to state what is and would not be correct.

The problem in America, by the way, is that too many people have given up on what's called "Personal Responsability" and they think it's ok to sue/or that it's someone elses job to take care of them - which we know it's incorrect. If a restaurant tells you to get out, it's your job to get in good with the company, and fix yourself - if you want to be there - instead of moaning about it.

Answer 3

The best example of the confusion you are talking about was over the hoppla of what the Dixie Chicks said.

They were not sent to jail. The government did not ban their music. But when some people who were offended by their statements choose to express their opinions by not buying Dixie Chick music (& telling radio stations they would change the channel if a Dixie Chick song came on) amny claimed the Dixie Chicks freedom of speech was being denied. But in truth, both were exercising their freedom of speech.

Answer 4

But you cannot be imprisoned for offensive speech. A private business owner has that right because it is their property. But you are right in a way. We are free to speak our minds without the risk of being imprisoned. (Unless we threaten the lives of others) I don't know the exact law though.

Answer 5

It is wrong to use offensive speech anywhere and you have freedom of speech anytime that you want to say anything.

Answer 6

Ironic, that Muslims communicate of "Freedom of Speech". yet, you communicate one word against Muhammad and loss of life threats are flying around. You communicate one word against the government - and you're thrown to penal complex, called a traitor to all Muslim human beings. each and every so often you're positioned to loss of life. Now actual thought of "Freedom of Speech" for anti-Israel Arabs is to apply any "ability attainable" to break State of Israel. if it ability mendacity with the aid of you the teeth so be it. If it ability throwing "freedom of Speech" so be it.... the actual freedom for those Muslims who seek for to break Israel, is the liberty to kill Israelis. Hamas reported it: we are greater keen to die , than Israelis are keen to stay. Islam is the main self-discipline faith of all religions. faith that demands self-sacrifice. those in strengthen ranges are keen to Kill themselves and take infidels with them for Allah

Answer 7

If you insult me in my house I would ask you to leave also. Or throw you out.

Answer 8

They went to public schools where they were taught about self-esteem instead of civics.

Answer 9

the right to swing your arm stops at my nose. When your rights infringe on mine, they are no longer your rights.

Answer 10

Insult me! I'll throw you out!