| IIIIITHE1IIIII said: This has been been on my mind for a while now ever since I found out about it a few months back. The reason is because I simply can't understand the reasoning. Apparently, the American population (among others, I would imagine) are allowed to say precisely whatever they want, whenever they want. Some workplaces may not tolerate certain words being expressed under certain or any circumstances, but there really are no laws that forbid people to do so. In fact, people proudly express that they are willing to die for everyone to be able to say whatever they want, whenever they want. My question is: WHY? Why would people be willing to die for racists to be able to regularly talk shit to their black or white neighbours? Why would people be willing to die for homophobes to be able to actively mock their targets and harass them through their hateful speech? Why is it so damn important to allow people to mentally hurt others, even after they say "Stop"? Touching is an action, talking is an action. We would never allow anyone to attack another human being physically due to potential physical injuries which may or may not result in death, yet some people are willing to die for others to be able to push another person towards commiting suicide, as long as he does it verbally.
Could someone please explain the reasoning behind all this? |
Free speech is important because when a government begins to censor anything in the name of protecting certain groups, it eventually begins to supress more and more forms of speech, which eventually goes into the political sphere, among other places.
Furthermore, a person's free speech can be limited if they go far, even in the US - such as threatening another person with physical violence and the like. As an 18 year old, you may not understand why its important, but look at the countries that heavily censor speech. They always do so to shape the argument in an opportunistic fashion, and usually to promote governmental ideals, such as the Chinese or North Koreans.
If someone spouts nonsense - say a racist - they do have to pay heavy social penalties for them. If a major business, sports, or political figure said something inherently racists, they would suffer for it. Todd Akin is suffering quite a bit from his abortion debacle. That is how free speech should work - you're allowed to say almost anything, but it can come at a cost if you're stupid.
Back from the dead, I'm afraid.
