Do you agree with this statement?

Question

You support others' free speech until you hear or see something you don't like.

Does this apply to you?
In what ways?



And this doesn't just have to do with religion.
It can be about anything at all.


For example, let's say you're a Christian.
You and an Atheist are having a conversation about the Holy Spirit (Jesus, God, or whatever).
But seeing as how you do believe in a God and the Atheist doesn't, you try to silence their right to free speech.

Or...

Would you allow them to go on, and listen to their reasoning to denying your God?

Answer 1

I agree that it is a natural tendency, but I don't think it has to happen. It's a mark of maturity and self-confidence to be able to listen to another point of view. This is how diplomacy and philosophy work, understanding differences rather than merely trying to stamp them out.

Insecure people avoid exposure to contrary opinion. Secure people are willing to listen, to consider the possibility their position could be improved, and to offer reasoned defense and criticism in return. It is not always easy or successful. But if one never confronts an opponent, one's faith in one's opinion will remain fragile and immature.

Answer 2

Strange question on a public forum that we all agree is fairly free speech oriented. Also strange from the viewpoint that you *say* the talk can be about anything, but use theist vs atheist. Freedom of speech is not as applicable to personal conversations as those are between two individuals, if one doesn't like the conversation, they can leave or ask the other to stop, etc. Free speech is meaningful from a government view as it ensures that you can say whatever you want with out fear of being arrested. A large but subtle difference.

Edit:
My view of christians has just dropped to an all time low. there is not an answer above mine that shows what freedom of speech is about. Granted they may answer the actual question, and nicely in some cases, but the facts is that and the question hae nothing to do with freedom of speech.....

Answer 3

The term free speech does not give anyone the right to say something negative or insulting about anybody. I would not try and proselytize any atheist or have a theological argument with someone who has no idea what they are talking about. There is nothing wrong with stopping a conversation that has no chance to get anywhere. Peace

Answer 4

I think it applies to me some-what because I am all for people saying things they want and believing in their own thing, but if it is something that offends the way someone else lives, feels, thinks, or does things, then I have a problem. I don't silence anyone's right because I also want to be heard and I think others shouldn't tell them to be quite or not to believe in something just because it's not right for them. I support others' free speech and I am different than most people in a lot of ways, so when someone expresses their ideas, concerns, or way of life, I think it's something that is important and may be something I'm interested in personally, and I listen until it gets out-of-hand and they start making remarks towards everyone else, even if I don't like them my self. And, yes I would let them go on because may be believing in God isn't my way and the other makes more sense to me, so I am open to others' opinions...so what?!

wow, i hope you got all that! haha.

Answer 5

I acknowledge that we as Americans have the right of free speech, but I think you have it confused with the right to be heard. That is not a right.
The constitution guarantees our right to speak freely in opposition to our government without fear of being jailed for it. That does not mean anyone you want to spout off to has to stay and listen to you. It also does not mean a private organization must give you time for your rant.

Answer 6

Generally, I support free speech no matter what. Unless someone says stuff that is clearly inappropriate like," gays should die," or what not. I can't support that, and believe it or not, free speech does not apply to hate speech.

Answer 7

Free Speech is just that Free even objectionable speech. The only time it is not free is when someone yells fire in a crowded room.
So yes I support free speech, even if the person is saying something that bothers me.

Answer 8

We just let the president of Iran, a country that kills opposing views (amongst other atrocities), walk around NYC. He spoke at Columbia U and answered questions of the students.

And I'm ok with that. I wish I was there.
FREE SPEECH is one of the last freedoms we have left.

Answer 9

They have every right to say what they want. I have every right not to listen. There's a big difference between not allowing someone to voice an opinion and not listening to that opinion.

Answer 10

A respectful conversationalist will also listen respectfully to opposing positions on the subject.