Who should control what is acceptable to be heard/seen/done in public?

Question

The public?
The government?
God?
No one should try to control it?

Opinions please.

Answer 1

the public, to each there own, to a certain degree, i agree no public nudity or vulgarity should be permited, however on the radio or television it should be allowed, if you dont want to see it turn it off.

Answer 2

Although classic liberalism is a lofty idea, people need some control. Of the choices you listed about, these parameters should be established by both the public and the government. Since most people seem to agree that God created man with his own free will, God would have no interest in placing controls on humans.
Although the public must express what it feels is acceptable, the government must insure that these desires of the public do not infringe upon the liberties of the individual.

Answer 3

Just what controls it now -- community standards. Each local jurisdiction gets to decide for itself (often decided either by direct vote or by votes of elected representatives on local boards or city councils) what is acceptable and what is not. So if New York decides some public display is OK with them, that doesn't mean it's OK in Davenport, Iowa...and vice versa.

Who should NOT decide? Any individual or small group that isn't elected or representative of their community as a whole. The Federal government. The Supreme Court, except when something violates the constitution.

"Public" display is always a compromise -- individuals may need to allow something they find is offensive if most of the community disagrees with them, or disallow something they think is fine if the majority of the community disagrees. In private -- do whatever the heck you want.

Answer 4

IMHO a moral people would police itself on what it says/does in public to maintain an acceptably civil atmosphere. But as Adams pointed out, the Constitution is not capable of governing an immoral people. When people stop policing themselves, then a more intrusive government will come along to do it for them lest all civil order break down and anarchy reign supreme. We are quickly moving into an immoral society. Controls will start to appear no matter what the Constitution provides in the way of protection.

Answer 5

I believe in law and order..thus we need to create a body to do so..etc etc until unfortunately there too much bureaucracy. But the "ideals" of law are truly good. I feel that we should be given freedom over anything that does not infringe on another...but that's all relative isn't it. I mean should you be able to swear and be naked in a restaurant where I bring my kids...NO..I don't want my kid to see that...and want to go out just like you...so who stays home?. There should be a place for both of us...that's all...it shouldn't be against the law either. I just love the countries that are way more liberal than America, because the very things we are scared of happening rarely do or find there place inside that society. For example; drinking minors in other countries or legalized drugs in countries have less problems then we do on those things.. Unfortunately Americans can only wrap their heads around caffeine and alcohol being OK, and cable TV/ rating systems etc....it all drives me crazy...America needs to get more Europeanized and open minded...to a point...

Answer 6

Well, ultimately the individual should be able to use their common sense, and deem what is appropriate or not. However, in this era of no personal responsibility--I think that there are certain guidelines that should be enforced at a government level (voted in by the masses, i.e. public)--without infringing upon the Bill of Rights/Amendments. Beyond that--what people do in the privacy of their own homes, barring activities harmful to others, is their perogative.

Answer 7

Unforutunately someone in power has to be in control or there would be world wide mass confusion.Not that we are not already in a state of confusion. But without laws on what is and isn't acceptable people with out any moral judgement would rule the weeker population. Where would that put everyone? I believe however that everyone has a right to voice his or her opinion and be heard and seen. And that God has given us free will and we as human beings have to decided what we view as what is and isn't acceptable. I think as a nation that whom ever is in power should think of the greater good. But everyone is human and to human is er. Peace be with you all.

Answer 8

I would have said the mores of society, but our society just doesn't seem to focus on morals much anymore. I remember several years ago when my grandmother was eating her lunch at the local cafe. A young man was using vulgar language at a nearby table, and several of the older men went over and escorted him out of the building and then apologized to my grandmother for having to listen to that kind of language. I think it would have to be the public due to the fact that many don't believe in God, they would sue the government for censorship, and if no one attempts to control it, we are on a slippery slope.

Answer 9

I would have to say public opinion, although I shudder to think what this encompasses. You see, there has to be limitations set on these things simply because some of the people have a low or no moral code. That just would not do if we desire a society which is inoffensive to the majority of its people.

Answer 10

It's really simple.
As long as you do not infringe another persons rights (e.g incitement to hatred or to murder etc as long as you are peaceful) then you should be free to express yourself in whatever manner you see fit. It's as much your right to express yourself as it is for another to deny it.
For the Gov't to decide - thats communism
For the public to decide - who are the public? A broad spectrum of varying belief systems and would NEVER come to a compromise
God - what if you don't believe in him, and who does God communicate his preferences to?
NO it's down to us as individuals to be grown up enough to accept that each individuals faith is a matter of conscience and down to us as people.
I have NO problem with people expressing their beliefs in a peaceful and dignified manner. State control is not an option (although sadly its getting that way due to our werstern intolerance)

Answer 11

No one. If things get ridiculous, people will rise up.

There should be a dictator is things get too crazy. The dictator will throw the country into chaos and people will kill him or he'll lose power eventually and then people will come out better for it in the end.