Freedom of Speech

[>>FrEnZy<<]

I would like to bring up an issue here, about the freedom of speech in supposedly democratic countries.

"If we don't believe in freedom of expression for people we despise, we don't believe in it at all." -Noam Chomsky

Quote by Chomsky. I find this an extremely interesting thing to say, especially because of how increasingly difficult it is to voice opinions that go against public opinion.

For example, who ever you say "I think poligamy is perfectly acceptable and that women should stay at home." to, will cause people to shun you and they won't even attempt to understand you. I would think that in a democratic nation, everyones opinion is equally important so why is it that instead of people meeting you with a curiosity as to why you believe this and an attempt to understand you and your beliefs, they comletely reject your opinion if it isnt a mainstream one?

 

[Mechagodzilla]

The notion that 'everyone's opinion is important' is a fallacy.
You're allowed to speak. Hence 'freedom of speech'.

Being respected and accepted is entirely seperate.

Who's stupid enough to want to accept everything they hear anyways?

 

[RakuraiTenjin]

I would like to bring up an issue here, about the freedom of speech in supposedly democratic countries.

"If we don't believe in freedom of expression for people we despise, we don't believe in it at all." -Noam Chomsky

Quote by Chomsky. I find this an extremely interesting thing to say, especially because of how increasingly difficult it is to voice opinions that go against public opinion.

For example, who ever you say "I think poligamy is perfectly acceptable and that women should stay at home." to, will cause people to shun you and they won't even attempt to understand you. I would think that in a democratic nation, everyones opinion is equally important so why is it that instead of people meeting you with a curiosity as to why you believe this and an attempt to understand you and your beliefs, they comletely reject your opinion if it isnt a mainstream one?

It means you CAN say it. Literally that you CAN, without being imprisoned, from the state's point of view.

It doesn't have anything to do with people's reactions. The door of free speech swings both ways, they can show someones opinion as crap just as freely as the person can spew it forth.

 

[Kmack]

hahahhahahah

true democracy

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahahahahhahahahhahahahahhahahaha


that's classic....

 

[RakuraiTenjin]

hahahhahahah

true democracy

aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaahahahahhahahahhahahahahhahahaha


that's classic....

Democratic Republic FTW

 

[>>FrEnZy<<]

So respect and acceptance is the only way to be heard in a 'democratic society?'

 

[RakuraiTenjin]

So respect and acceptance is the only way to be heard in a 'democratic society?'

respect and tolerance.

No one is forced to accept anything. You just have to put up with hearing it.

 

[Mechagodzilla]

So respect and acceptance is the only way to be heard in a 'democratic society?'

Your ideal society is one where you don't need to be smart or make sense to be, say, a scientist?
'True' literal democracy is the basic idea that the majority rules.
American-style democracy is the same thing, except with checks and balances preventing the majority from abusing that position.

What you are thinking of is not democracy. It's stupidity.

Hey man, waht if... what if the whole "system" is wrong and it's actually the crazy conspiracy guys and raelians who are right??? Oh man, I just BLEW my own MIND with that DEEP thought. Better tell half-life2.net!

 

[Sulkdodds]

/me fluffles Mecha's cat avatar

As has been stated, free speech means you can say anything you want. But it doesn't mean everyone has to take you seriously. That would just be ridiculous.

 

[CptStern]

what if the whole "system" is wrong and it's actually the crazy conspiracy guys and raelians who are right??? !

I've been to the raelian compound in quebec and met Rael ..weird guy surrounded by a lot of hot chicks

 

[Mechagodzilla]

Raelianism is my favorite religion. Just not for reasons Rael would approve of.

 

[CptStern]

well they preach free love so they're not all that bad ...certifiably stupid and a little crazy but they mean no harm. I've never met a group so willing to get naked at the drop of a hat...did I mention 70% are women? :naughty:

 

[15357]

We can say anything here except something good about the North Korean leader, Kim Jong il unless you want to go to prison.

 

[Icarusintel]

well they preach free love so they're not all that bad ...certifiably stupid and a little crazy but they mean no harm. I've never met a group so willing to get naked at the drop of a hat...did I mention 70% are women? :naughty:

damn, i think i just found religion again

 

[kirovman]

We can say anything here except something good about the North Korean leader, Kim Jong il unless you want to go to prison.

Kim Jong il is a great man and his form of government is best.

Kim Jong il rocks my world.

Kim Jong il had my babies.




To pretty much reiterate what everyone else said, Freedom of Speech is an important right, but obviously you're not going to have 100% free speech, for example if you're going on rallies trying to gather support for overthrowing the government via militia action.

But yeah, you have nothing to fear from the government for what you say in general. But it doesn't mean people have to like it.