I'm offended! The end of free speech.

Just a reminder: You cannot tell me you belive in the principles of free speech while simultaneously suggesting you have a right to not be offended.

I think free speech is worth defending. I do not have a right to not be offended.

 

There’s a reason you can’t post swear words. Because they cause serious levels of offense. Are you saying PF lacks free speech? Now let’s take this the opposite way. Isn’t it a persons free speech to say something causes offense. But if saying something causes offense and it carries with it the right amount of force will shut someone up. But that’s still free speech to say isn’t it?

But let’s take this one step further. A good argument ends all discussion. A good point will stifle all debate on topic because the debate has been “won”. Does that not stop speech?

 

So do I get to determine what constitutes offensive to me? If so, do I get to force action against that offense?

Or is it only offensive when YOU think it’s offensive?

For instance. I can say redneck and cracker all day long. See no asterisk. But if I say ****** it won’t allow me to. So is it ACTUALLY about offense or just the offenses the left considers problematic?

 

Why wouldn’t you?

Depends on what you mean by ‘force action.’

 

Speech is an action. What you are describing is the lack of linguistic force to make a change in the world. Because something may not bring about a change in the world, it can be said freely. Which is dangerous logic because we know this is how hate speech goes unenforced. As for what is offensive? You already know it’s offensive language that’s why you used it as an example.

 

Well for instance. I’m offended at the word red neck. Do I get to force the site to recognize that offense and block the word?

 

But so is redneck. Why don’t we get to have that word asterisk-out to stop the offense?

 

Take it up to the mods if you think it should be censored. My guess? Doesn’t cause offense the same way as sweat words do.

 

Erm, about the part of your statement I've emboldened...

I think it's perfectly possible to believe in the principles of free speech without considering it unconditional. I'd suggest that even you don't believe free speech is unconditional (even without the slip-up above). It's ultimately about we balance the risks of potential harm.

There is also the question of having free speech but being subject to consequences. There is a distinction between you not being permitted to say something someone finds offensive and you being free to say the offensive thing but facing legitimate consequences as a result.

 

What site?

 

I believe I do not have a right to not be offended. You are free to disagree.

Off topic. This thread is not about the consequences of free speech, only the notion that you do not have a right to not be offended. Please stay on topic. Thank you.

 

Free speech does not mean immunity from the effects of what one says.

 

I agree with you, just about speech. In other contexts, you definitely have a right not to be offended.

 

I never stated it does, nor is that the topic. Please stay on topic. Thank you.

 

Which contexts would those be?

 

For example sexuality. Rape is a crime and can get you in jail for a long time.

 

Uhm. This thread is about speech.

 

You have a right to take a remark any way you want...as a compliment, a criticism or an offense.
What is the issue?
BTW being on the receiving end of a comment is not exercising freedom of speech. It is freedom of reaction.

 

I think you misunderstood the topic. There is a growing contingent of our fellow citizens who believe they have a right to not be offended. This implies that what they consider offensive should not be allowed to be spoken or expressed. This does not bode well for the principal of free speech.

 

Only liberals and blacks can be offended by speech. Meanwhile whites have a target on their backs.

 

Well I was just using this one as an example since I could easily demonstrate the difference with the asterisks. But any site really. Offensive comments and words directed towards whites are ROUTINELY allowed in essentially every venue.

 

Didn’t you just tell me that *I* get to decide what’s offensive to me? Now you’re telling me it’s not offensive enough.

 

Just because your offended by someones speech does not mean your right to be.

 

So these sites are demonstrating that they do not believe in the principal of free speech. Which is their right, I should add.

 

Eh?

 

Wording and speech should never be restricted. I'm with you, bro. But you'll never find this in reality. Even on this board, it's not allowed to call another user a liar.