Monday, January 17, 2011

Freedom of "Speech"



This subject was on my to do list, but of course it's not exactly a small subject to address. So let me preface it but confessing that I am one of the minority who voted yes on this Herald poll. I'd be interested in hearing your views, which I may then address in a blog post in which I'd like to explore this subject a little deeper.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I think I Will be seen as a bit hypocritical on this topic. I do believe in Freedom of Speech - but in saying that, I would have voted no on the Heralds poll. I do find gangs, identifiable by their patches to be intimidating. However, I also find a large group of people (being a bit PC correct here, so as not too seem racist) advancing towards you also intimidating, to the extent, I may cross the road.
But to me that is not what freedom of speech is about. This is Freedom of Expression - two different things, in my eyes. Though I am happy for you to contradict me and explain how they are both the same.
The way I see it, and yeah, I cheated so as to get the right words - "Freedom of speech is the freedom to speak without censorship and/or limitation. I notice that in the states, the freedom of speech,is a civil right guaranteed by the First Amendment to the US Constitution. ?Would I use Freedom of Speech as that definition stands...I can honestly say no - But only because I do not like confrontation. I have no problem with people expressing themselves - just not me (Yet!)

The synonymous term freedom of expression is sometimes used to indicate not only freedom of verbal speech but any act of seeking, receiving and imparting information or ideas, regardless of the medium used.