Free speech poll

cameragirl21 wrote: This poll was inspired by my just reading a news story about Salman Rushdie recieving knighthood and reading about the fatwa (death sentence) placed on his head in the middle east for writing a book that offended others. Got me thinking, and be careful when you answer this...think about this--do you believe that people can and should say whatever they like even if it offends (or is intended to offend) your beliefs, be they religious or moral beliefs. Do you believe there should be punishment if someone purposely offends someone's beliefs? Or do you believe anything goes (which is my belief)? Please, no debates, I was going to make this poll only to avoid debates but figured since it's a complicated question, people may want to have their say. This is not a debate, just something to think about.

TheOaf66 replied: I don't believe that anyone should be able to judge what is offensive, we all have different tastes. The only safe way if for it to be universal...if you don't like what is being (said, showed, expressed, etc) then take yourself away from it. I don't have a problem with what people say as long as it is not based on ignorance. If someone gives an educated opinion on something I am all ears. Being a religious person is a battle. People question God and I may not like or agree with your opinion and I respect that you can have it but it does take a lot to offend me.

my2monkeyboys replied: I think free speech is needed, but can also be "a necessary evil" in the way that I wish it weren't used as a reason to say anything that comes to mind, regardless of whether it is nasty/vulgar - that kind of thing.
I think freedom of speech was intended to insure the people's ability to stand up for what they believe in, even if the gov't doesn't agree. I don't think it was meant to allow people to talk any old way, with total disregard to how it may affect others, esp children.
I don't care that others don't agree with me and that they vocalize it, I just wish it wasn't used as a cover-all for forms of expression, good or otherwise.
(Did that make sense? )

ETA: I also know that we can turn the channel, put down the book, etc., etc, but when people use it on the street as a reason to talk in such horrible ways, that's when I question all of it, ya know?

grapfruit replied: I think it's completely necessary. To me, free speech is one of those things, that once you start sensoring it, you start to lose it. I'm actually pretty against censoring.

I'd rather use my own judgement.

jcc64 replied: Where would we be w/o it, even in all its most hideous manifestations?!

luvmykids replied:

The right to free speech that allows someone to question or disagree with my beliefs/morals/what have you is the same right to free speech that allows me to disagree right back

I will say though that I am definitely offended when someone thinks their right to free speech is somehow more important than mine.

msoulz replied: I think we care too much about what others think and say. Words are just that - actions are what can be scary, hurtful and offensive.

Crystalina replied: I voted but at the same time I think someone in the public eye (like Imus' "nappy hair" comment) should be punished (as he was) so comments like that do not get out of hand. KWIM? People should be able to say what they want but at the same time they should think of who is listening just for common courtesy.

cameragirl21 replied:
ITA with this, completely. People in the public eye (and ear) should be aware that what they say can hurt large groups of people. However, it was Imus' right to say what he said and his employer's right to fire him for saying it.

Crystalina replied:
Yes, I'm not saying there should be a law that slaps your hand or punishes you by any means but employers should take action if the majority is offended.

my2monkeyboys replied: But then some shows are famous JUST for being offensive, therefore the employer should give raises.
I think everyone should say what the want, but I just wish they would use common courtesy. If there is not reason to say something not-so-nice, then keep it to yourself.
The RIGHT to say it doesn't mean you SHOULD say it.

Crystalina replied:
Amen.

luvmykids replied:
I third that!

MoonMama replied: