Are you constantly afraid to say things because you're in fear that you might offend someone?

Question

(In regards to anything) Is this a sign of loss of freedom of speech?

Answer 1

no, i dont give a f*** if someone is offended. You think other people care if I'M offended?

Answer 2

There is a difference between being polite and being afraid. Different circumstances call for different reactions and comments. There are also ways of saying the same things that dont come off as rude or offensive. I think political correctness most definetly goes too far, but you still have the right to say what you want. What you dont have a right to do is tell other people how to react to what you say. I can call your comment stupid and you can come back with how my comment in regards to your comment was idiotic. Freedom of speech doesnt mean freedom from consequences of what you just said.

Answer 3

When I was working for the San Francisco Chronicle during the ramp up to the war, I was very outspoken against it. The Chronicle, a liberal paper, was printing pretty much word for word what the New York Times was printing and other national newspapers. That the war was justified and what the White House was telling our press was factually accurate. I was madder then hell, because the White House was giving us a lot of supposition and in some cases, very early on, those "facts" were proven to be wrong. Yet the press kept up its propaganda and radicalizing the people in its thirst for revenge.

I was quietly told by several in management to keep my mouth shut. In order to keep my job, I did exactly that.

It was then I stopped reading the newspaper and considered it a rag beyond reproach.

I have since been proven correct.

The only way to get news is from multiple sources and especially from the source.

Do not believe word for word what we are spoon fed in the press. The truth usually resides somewhere in the middle. Even then, I usually let the smoke clear before I make an informed decision. We were so blood thirsty following 911 that there is no way on earth we should have been making life threatening decisions.

Again, my statement above has turned out to be correct.

Therefore, when it comes to issues such as N Korea, Venezuela, Iran and China, do not be so quick to judge till you can see both sides of the coin. Problem is, getting to the other side without bumping into a lot of our side.

Peace

Jim

.

Answer 4

Offending people isn't the biggest issue when you've been asked to say what's on your mind, but using 'freedom of speech' as a blanket cover for ignorant or racist speech is definitely a no-no!

Answer 5

I am generally polite with people I don't know, and in public speach such as this. Part of it is simply being polite. Part of it is that, if you have a point to make, being rude, insulting or offensive is rarely a good way to do it.

But, there are also words and ideas that are forbidden in public discourse, today. Some are banned by legislation, others by the social pressure of ostracism, and many, such as *******, *******, and **** are self-censored not only in the media, but automatically, in public discussion forums provided by private concerns, like this one (as you can see).

And, while refraining from offensive forms of expression out of concern for the feelings of others is not an example of the abridgement of free speach, doing so for fear of /punishment/ - whether the formal punishment due a crime or tort, or the informal modes of punishment long favored by the intollerant - /is/ such an abridgment.

Answer 6

No, and that is a sign of inaccurate confidence. You are confident of yourself to say the wrong thing, yet not confident enough to say the right thing.

This is true because you are afraid to say something that may offend people, which is sometimes the right thing to say.

The loss of freedom of speech is only your doing

Answer 7

No, I'm not afraid to say what I think, I do try to word it in a decent way though. I don't feel that I have to be belligerent in order to voice my opinion. I don't mind if people disagree with me, that's what it's all about; freedom to think & speak your mind. If my opinion is different than another persons, they really shouldn't be offended, if they choose to be offended that's their problem; I never try to offend, although it may happen more often than I intend!

Answer 8

Thats what the Libs have done to this country! Everyone running around crying "boo hoo, I've been offended".
Since when has there been a right NOT to be offended?

Answer 9

Nope, not at all.
But then again, I don't feel the need to use racist or bigoted remarks, and then call people who are offended, PC Nazis.

You know, I used to go fishing with my grandfather all of the time. A true conservative, that I respected alot. The stuff most of these people here, call PC he called manners, and would slap the crap out of me if I didn't mind them.

Answer 10

I used to try very hard to be civil and respectful to everyone...then I was at the park one day I got sick and tired of having to listen to little grammar school kids use language that would make a sailor blush...I told one of their parents about their 7 yr. old son calling a 4 yr old little girl a F*****g Sl*t because she wouldn't give him her soda...the parent said the little girl probably deserved it...that was the last time I worried about what someone else thought and dropped the whole PC B.S. and started letting people know what I thought....and I still manage to do it with class.

Answer 11

We've fostered a victim mentality in this country, and the result...numerous factions of hypersensitive special interest groups.

Yep, I filter what I'm going to say, because it's so very easy to offend those looking for offense.