no, seriously.

[lagilman]

I keep hearing people say, over and over again, that the right to free speech trumps responsibility for what we say. Even or perhaps especially if words are our tools-of-trade. I wonder how they can look themselves in the mirror - or look at their children -- after that.

You choose to exercise the right of free speech. That does not mean you're responsible for what people do with it...but you ARE responsible for influencing them. I mean, isn't that the basic idea of thanking a teacher?

Comments

[mtlawson.livejournal.com]

Yeah, and the amusing part is that a lot of these people are the same ones who complain about "a nation of victims".

[mizkit.livejournal.com]

In what universe does freedom of speech negate responsibility for what we say? I mean, really. What the hell.

[mtlawson.livejournal.com]

The same universe where "I'm right and nyaah nyaah nyaah you're a poophead!" is considered a valid argument.

[lagilman]

A surprising number of people hear "you need to take responsibility" and think "you can't tell me what I can/can't say!" Which is confusing two things entirely....

[http://users.livejournal.com/tesserae_/]

It goes along with the idea that "freedom of speech" means you can't be criticised for what you say.

No, actually, it just means that yu can't be thrown in jail for it. How is this a difficult disctinction to make?

[mevennen.livejournal.com]

Breathtaking. It's a good example of the principle of double-speak, however. So...when I say 'you should shoot people", it doesn't mean: 'you should [actually] shoot people.'

[cailleuch.livejournal.com]

It is difficult because it asks people to think about what they said. Thinking, in general, seems to be an ability that is rapidly disappearing in our society.

[http://users.livejournal.com/la_marquise_de_/]

What you said.
Applause.

[lagilman]

1984 was not a how-to manual, people!

(if it were only stupid people saying this, I would...deal. But otherwise smart people I otherwise respect have jumped on this train and I'm just...no.)

[kriz1818.livejournal.com]

FIRE! FIRE!

:stampede:

Anycity, USA: 11 Dead in False Fire Alarm Panic; A. N. Idiot Arrested.

[gwynnega]

Yes, exactly.