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paper_turtle
- Free Speech
In response to
Free Speech posted by
paper_turtle:
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(This was intended as a response ot Phil's post, message #11, but I hit the wrong link and didn't discover it until later.)
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I believe that what I do in my daily life--and what each person does in his or her daily life--is expremely important. I believe that the rights I exercise, and how I choose to exercise them are eaually important. If I call someone stupid, to his/her face, I invite an angry confrontation. I do not invite real and honest dialogue. If I use a term of prejudice in referring to another person, I tell those who hear me that its OK to be hateful.
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If we do not use our rights responsibly, we risk losing them.
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Talking about the theory of free speech, and its historical roots, is all well and good, but if we do not apply what we know to how we express ourselves, what good is it? (Spoken from the POV of a New England pragmatist)
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We are fooled into being concerned about such thiings as thinking free speech migh invovle the idea of a person with a bad mouth.
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Its about much *more* than just a bad mouth. Its about the effect words have. If I were to tell you you were a left-wing nut-job spouting propaganda, how would your feel--and, more to the point, how would you respond? I think I know how you would respond. (wink)
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When certain politicians make disparaging remarks about, say teenaged mothers on welfare, just what purpose is really served? Sure, they have exercised their right of free speech, but have they advanced truth? Have they shed the light of understanding on the problems involved? Have they made any constructive comments which might help teen women, whether or not they are mothers)?
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peace and love,
Paper Turtle
