In the world of comedians some of the most outspoken things are said: Talking about religion, race, homosexuals, and handicap ...
Others may actually be afraid- afraid to critizes because of possible represals.
What about criticizing someones religion or race? What are the limits and what type of punishment should someone recieve who oversteps these limits?
2006-12-30 07:30:03 · 12 answers · asked by Robert 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
There is no limit to freedom of speech except for child pornography or endangering others (like yelling fire in a crowded theater).
Someone has every right to criticize religion and race. I disagree with everything about the K KK, but I'm glad they have the right to exist. I don't want to live under an oppressive government where people are not allowed to express their ideas freely. That's much, much worse.
If you make cracks about race or religion, you might get beat up, but you won't be arrested. That's where common sense about what you should or shouldn't say comes in.
2006-12-30 07:33:08 · answer #1 · answered by robtheman 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The punishment for criticizing religion or race should be social ostracism - which is already practiced. Freedom of speech refers to what the government can do to punish someone for speech. In that case, there are very few limits. People should only be punished by the government if they say something like "fire!" in a crowded theater. I would never want the government punishing people for criticizing religion or even for being a bigot. That's totalitarianism. Instead when someone says something bigoted, ignore him or her, don't buy their albums, go to their movies, hang out with them, etc, etc. There's no need to get the government involved. We're not little kids who need our mommies to help us whenever our feelings get hurt.
2006-12-30 15:35:34 · answer #2 · answered by Sass B 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the US, we claim freedom of speach but we dont really have it. We can say anything we want until it offends someone and then we can have trouble. I however think at some point, a person should be held accountable for what they are offended by. If someone comes up to you and makes a violent hateful comment, then yeah... be offended.. I dont think the person who said it should be arrested or sued or anything if they havent done physical harm. But if someone claims offence because someone said "bless you" after they sneezed or "Merry Christmas" then they really should be told to get a life. It wasnt a harmful threat... it was a kind gesture. I dont get offended by any of the variius well meaning phrases, whether its pagan, muslim, jewish or whatever. If some people find these well meaning phrases offensive then it's them who need to be quiet, not the other person.
2006-12-30 15:40:27 · answer #3 · answered by impossble_dream 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In the U.S., the freedom of speech is assured, but is not absolute. For example, you can't yell "Fire" in a crowded theater if there isn't one.
If you were to slander someone by saying something untrue about them, damaging their reputation, or using copyrighted material without permission or attribution, the offended party can sue.
But hurting someone's feelings through humor or criticism is not illegal. It is not beneficial, but is also not illegal.
It would be better of people would follow this rule: "Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer everyone." (Colossians 4:6)
2006-12-30 15:36:32 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
No limits on insulting or offending Christian. In fact, this behavior is now the National Past time in the USA!
Everything else is off limits. You can not even express a disagreement with any National Liberal perspective or you will be tagged with a label.
Anti-Christian rhetoric and insults are encouraged in public schools and in public official positions! Christians must be humiliated at all costs in every instance, and they need not complain. It is the way the world is now.
2006-12-30 15:34:51 · answer #5 · answered by Lives7 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Our freedom of speech was given us to give us a legal right to express our grievances and to express our differences with out fear of government oppression. It was not meant to say anything one wanted no matter how it harmed another. Even now it is not legal to yell fire in a theater or to speak about killing the president. Our freedom of speech is a very important one and should not be abused the way it often is. Now I strongly disagree with Islams use of cruelty and terror against those who speak against it. Those opposed should be able to say so and vice versa.
2006-12-30 15:42:16 · answer #6 · answered by beek 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
This is a FREE country.
There should be NO limits on what you say.
Everybody wants freedom for themselves, but they're not willing to accept the freedoms of others.
2006-12-30 15:32:57 · answer #7 · answered by Evil Atheist Cannibal 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Freedom of speech is common sense ,if a little child is around do you still think its ok to swear are call certain people by a derogatory name
2006-12-30 15:34:52 · answer #8 · answered by Terry S 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
judging from this board, there are no limits to the freedom of speech. Which is a pity, in many cases.
2006-12-30 15:32:01 · answer #9 · answered by Valєηtiηa ☆ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This question is too broad, there are whole books written on this.
For example:
treason, leaking state secrets, slander, libel, curse words, fire in a crowded theater, talking about hijacking a plane, etc...
2006-12-30 15:33:04 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋