Freedom of Speech

[RaineOnYourParade]

(Not sure if this belongs here but whatever)

 

Okay, I acknowledge the fact that, as long as it's not violent or anything, a transphobe has their right to express their opinion. Whatever. Freedom of Speech, it's an important part of the USA's foundation. They can use the Freedom of Speech defense while doing this, they can yap, fine.

 

However, I have equal right to say they're wrong and to debate the topic if I wished, as well as to my opinion that they're things I would not be able to say on this forum, even if I don't personally voice these things  

 

Suddenly, people don't like freedom of speech anymore. It seems to be some people's favorite Amendment until someone else uses the same right.

[awkward-yet-sweet]

I've noticed the same thing, but its often those on the "Left" who want to shut down freedom of speech.  Tell us what words to use, or what we can't say.  Personally, I favor free speech for everybody.  Unlimited and absolute.  Including if/when its destructive or violent.  Better to have some chaos than to give anybody the power to restrict speech.  

[Abigail Genevieve]

For some people, diversity of thought is okay as long as you agree with them.  I have noticed this on both sides.  Yesterday I got cussed out on FB for advocating the rule of law, which I thought an innocuous thing to advocate, because the danger a certain alleged totalitarian poses to our country.  So we should throw out the law to protect the law in the view of this person.  For that I was greeted with a long stream of obscenity.  The cussing poster claims to be Republican, which is supposed to be all MAGA and right wing and all and law and order.  Strange.

 

I don't think I have been cussed out by someone on the left.  I have been insulted in knowledge and intelligence and worship of Trump (which is false) but not directly cussed out.  And they get bent out of shape badly if you disagree with them, typically. Come to think of it, I have been.  Disagreeing with someone apparently is the worst thing you can do to them, invalidating their identity or something.

 

There is REAL diversity on this forum, and for the most part we get along.  Even if I were not dealing with trans stuff, it would be attractive that way.

[Ashley0616]

I have noticed when anyone speaks against their though process they don't like it no matter what sided. Republicans are quick to defend Trump when he's not professional and treats his employees like crap. One employee didn't get paid at all and then he had the nerve to say that he would sue the worker. He already has a model as his wife and still goes after other women. Biden gets lost quicker than a 2nd Lieutenant gets lost at land navigation. Not to mention his open border policy which is flooding the country and can't even take care of the American citizens that we have now. I could go on about both sides. I personally don't get mad at anything someone says to me. I know it's not true so I'm over it before it even starts. You have to have thick skin.

[Ivy]

I think it depends on where and how it's happening.

We also need safe places where, the perhaps more easily intimidated, can feel free to express themselves.  

 

And what about threats of violence?  Can this lead to a place where only the violent can have this freedom?  Is it "free speech" to threaten and intimidate opposing views into silence?  I mean maybe, if I can say anything - "if you don't shut up I'll kill you."

 

Or spreading lies?  (perhaps about an election). Lying is okay, unless you're under oath - for what that's worth.  

Censoring books in schools?  That was fine until the bible was included.  (there is some nasty stuff in there)

Then, there's what used to be that free speech birdie place.  You can denigrate queer people all you want, but "cis" is a slur, and prohibited?  Free speech as long as I like it?

And let's not go into court cases and gag orders.

Porn?

[Ashley0616]

1 minute ago, Ivy said:

I think it depends on where and how it's happening.

We also need safe places where, the perhaps more easily intimidated, can feel free to express themselves.  

 

And what about threats of violence?  Can this lead to a place where only the violent can have this freedom?  Is it "free speech" to threaten and intimidate opposing views into silence?  I mean maybe, if I can say anything - "if you don't shut up I'll kill you."

 

Or spreading lies?  (perhaps about an election). Lying is okay, unless you're under oath - for what that's worth.  

Censoring books in schools?  That was fine until the bible was included.  (there is some nasty stuff in there)

Then, there's what used to be that free speech birdie place.  You can denigrate queer people all you want, but "cis" is a slur, and prohibited?  Free speech as long as I like it?

And let's not go into court cases and gag orders.

Porn?

I think that threats that can be proven should be incarcerated for half the sentence of the one they would commit if carried out. 

Lies unfortunately are just words unless as you stated if not under oath. 

[Mirrabooka]

It's been touched on in another thread, the perception that the folks who scream loudest in favor of free speech are also the loudest in wanting to stifle the freedom of people not like themselves.

[Sally Stone]

I support everyone's right to say what they think, even when what they say is hurtful or hate-based.  Quite simply, those people should have that right.  However, just because I support a person's right to free speech, never means I have to agree with it.  We should never stifle free speech, but when it is hateful or hurtful we should exercise our free speech right to say how inappropriate their speech is.  The best way to fight hateful and hurtful speech is through discourse.  Sadly, our society has lost the ability to debate.    We have assumed the position that "if you don't agree with me, you must be against me."  This way of thinking prevents discourse and all the good that comes from it.