Random Thought: A little on Free Speech

I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.

-Evelyn Beatrice Hall

Disclaimer: As with most topics, there are factors and nuances that comes with the topic of free speech. Context is very important when discussing Free speech. This post is my current opinion on the topic. I’m not an expert on free speech. Also, opinion are NOT facts.

my view these last 3 weeks

Freedom of speech (Free speech) can be defined as the right of a person to articulate their opinions and ideas whether in writing, through conduct or orally without censorship, fear of retaliation or legal action. Freedom of expression is sometimes used along with free speech. Freedom of speech is recognized internationally (to some extent) and codify in regional human rights law. The political philosopher John Milton argued that free speech not only encompass the right to express, or disseminate, information and ideas but it includes the right to seek, receive, impart information and ideas.

Free speech is a human right that belongs to all human beings.

Free speech is the life blood of democracy. Alexander Meiklejohn argued that for democracy to work, people need to be informed. In order for that to happen, Meiklejohn stated that there must be no constraints on the free flow of information and ideas. 

Free speech is a constitutionally protected right but not globally. 

-Madam Secretary 

Free speech is not absolute. A lot of governments around the world have put a limit on free speech. For example, in Austria, speech that may be interpreted as denying the Holocaust is outlawed, whereas in others countries, safe spaces have pop up in numerous college and universities campus where certain types of speeches or debates are ban. Here in the U. S, hate speech or speech that incites an imminent violence are not protected by the right to free speech.  Also, libel, slander, or defamation are common boundaries in regard to free speech. Threats of violence or abuse or death are not protected under free speech.

Living in a free society, you should have the right to say whatever as you want as long as it does not infringe on the right of others. -Unknown

I’m for free speech. Free speech is a double edge sword. If a public platform allows one point of view to be heard, it should allow all other point of views to be express also. For example, people use free speech as a justification for allowing the mockery of Christianity (i.e. Netflix “Messiah”) but won’t allow free speech to be used to mock other faiths. I’m for debating ideas or civil discourse in general as long as it is respectful. Ideas are meant to be challenged. Ideas don’t have rights, they should be challenged and debated (Janice Fiamengo). Moreover, ideas aren’t meant to be protected, they are meant to be challenged, only good ideas survive without protection, if you have to protect your idea from challenge, it ’s probably not a good idea to begin with (unknown). Free speech does not protect one from being offended. Free speech includes the right to offend. Without the right to offend the freedom of speech does not exist (unknown). A person exercising their right to free speech should NOT be met with threats, abuse or death. Words should not lead to violence. For communication to be effective, ideas have to come from the same place (Daniel Fernandes). Threats are not free speech. If you don’t agree with something someone has said or written or drawn, present a better opposing points of view. Words should be fought with words. The best antidote to hateful, stupid, and offensive speech is intelligent persuasive and nuisance speech (James Kirchick). Free speech is not freedom from consequence; by consequence I mean opposing ideas. 

A society where people can speak freely is a society where power is challenged.

-James Kirchick

~xoxo