The right to free speech is one of the most abused privileges we have in the United States. Whenever someone makes an offense or hurtful remark, when hate speech is practiced, when somebody starts talking about your momma, the defense is always freedom of speech. This stems from a basic misunderstanding of how "freedoms" actually work and how it applies to speech.
I've often heard that freedom isn't free and I happen to agree with this idea. There are consequences that come with speaking your mind. These can be legal or social. If you scream fire in a crowded theatre when there isn't one you will be arrested for inciting a riot should people panic. If you call one of your friends a chink you may be ostracized from your social group. It is a basic ability to be able to speak whatever thought pops into your head, but it is not acceptable to do so whenever you please. Though you have the right to exercise your freedom you must take into account the nature of cause and effect.
Social media has become rampant with crude remarks between individuals. Youtube comments are possibly the worst thing I have ever seen in my life; people discuss Justin Beiber on Aerosmith videos and how black people are naturally inclined to criminal activity on videos about make-up techniques featuring a mixed make-up artist.These comments are almost never on the original topic and almost always stem from a belief that the internet is a safe space to express every thought. The internet is not the place to do this without consequence. It is impossible to have anyplace that there is. It is always necessary to consider what you say before you say it.
C. Greene
While Chris claims that freedom of speech is not actually having the freedom to speak your mind freely, it is actually true that if an individual is to speak how they feel they can be persecuted depending on where they are speaking.
ReplyDeleteGK