Free(dumb) of Speech
Freedom of Speech was once a grand and noble goal, one to be fought for and to die for. It still is in some countries in the world, but in western culture the Right to Free Speech has split into two paths –
1. The Right to say anything no matter the consequences
2. The Right to Not be Offended
Both paths are extreme and filled with intolerance and ignorance.
The problem here is we constantly talk about our rights…and never about our responsibilities anymore. Those who stray far to the right of political views believe they have the right to say whatever they want, offend whoever they want, whenever they want. How many times have you seen a Meme which says “People don’t like the Truth”…what a complete arrogant crock of shit. Because someone doesn’t believe your truth, they are automatically wrong.
But just as dangerous is the far left leaning Politically Correct movement. Everything you say or do must be analysed in case it offends someone or some group, and as a consequence almost anything anyone says can be construed as being racist or offensive. This is a particular skill of current day politicians. Having a view of your own is no longer allowed, and these Politically Correct Zealots then use this as a weapon against anyone who disagrees with their PC view of the world.
The world needs to stop thinking in Rights and start thinking in Responsibilities. You have a right to your views BUT you have a Responsibility to ensure you voice your views in a manner that does not create hate, racism, or bigotry. You have a responsibility to not judge a person by their commonality, you have a responsibility to judge them by their individuality.
You also have a responsibility to NOT GET OFFENDED by everything that is said. You have a responsibility to understand that the world is full of many different people and views. You have a responsibility to accept that a person’s view does not necessarily make them a racist or bigot.
To Paraphrase JFK…”Think not what Rights your country must provide you, think what Responsibilities you owe your country.”
Live a Life Worth Living
John Rosel
info@the4pillarsoflife.com.au
www.the4pillarsoflife.com.au