Freedom of expression

[bush]

I was reading this:
Violence fear over Islam film | World | The Observer

And this little tidbit made my eye twitch:

'It is difficult to anticipate the content of the film, but freedom of expression doesn't mean the right to offend,' said Maxime Verhagen...

Does freedom of expression mean the right to offend? Is it unacceptable to say something that might offend somebody else? Are you violationg another person's rights when you say something offensive?

Or is this just another example of widespread pussification? Are people too worried about hurting somebody's feelings?

[Maichena]

If you are brave enough to speak it, be brave enough to stand behind it. I don't read anything about Phelps and his church anymore. Enuff said.

[stryder]

I think that people take things to seriously. Who cares if they are offended. They make fun of every other religeon, and don't seem to care that their religeon calls for the extermination of all non-believers.
There is such a thing as a power button on all electronic devises. No one is forcing them to watch it.

Besides, if they followed the laws they pretend to care about, then the majority of them would have to kill themselves, but there does not seem to be a lot of that going around?

[Jordan Jones]

As individuals, freedom of expression is one of the most powerful tools we, as a society, have at our disposal to analyze and correct issues we come across.To dampen or muffle this un-alienable right in any fashion is an outright crime against the basic rights we have as individuals.

In the case of someone becoming offended by self-expression, I don't think it is wise to get for someone to get their panties in a wad. Chances are, the reason why an author decided to go to such lengths is because he or she wanted the viewer or reader, etc. to re-analyze the way we, as a society, choose to perceive things. That's how I feel, at least

However, an author needs to ensure that what he or she creates is well-thought out not just a mix of personal bias-ness along with actual facts. By doing so, I think that the possibilty of actually offending people is minimized and the hope of wanting to look at how an issue is perceived is maximized.

In the end, I feel everybody has the right to offend one another, for whatever reason. People need to keep their minds open to different ways of thought. To forcibly filter content being absorbed by the masses is reason for revolt against the governing body doing so.

But, that presents another problem. The actual content being absorbed by the masses is usually complete garbage.

P.S. bush, I hope this is what you were looking for in a response.

[troth281]

As long as it isn't slander/libel (which actually causes damage), then don't be a pussy.

Now as far as the actual film goes... From what I've read about it, the Koran is violent and isn't peaceful like other religions. Most people think that it's no different than any other religion, but that's simply not the truth.

[leemajaz]

hell, the most violent book i've ever read has to ,hands down , be the bible. now THAT would make a killer multi-piece trilogy!

and freedom of expression is just that. anyone should be allowed to say anything they want. there is, however a time and place for everything.
for instance , not around children and such.

[Jordan Jones]

+1

'I will take this jawbone from an ass, slay thousands of men, and make asses out of them.'

I think that's how that verse goes.

Excellent movie material, I think were overdue for a back to th future sequel.

[bumblebee]

As we celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.'s birthday today, let us never forget that the entire civil rights movement came about because some people were offended.

Throughout history, the most important events that occurred were because someone got offended and did something about it.

Political Correctness is evil and must be destroyed, or it will destroy freedom everywhere

[bush]

Originally Posted by leemajaz

hell, the most violent book i've ever read has to ,hands down , be the bible. now THAT would make a killer multi-piece trilogy!

And yet, we still see many compassionate and all around normal Christians.

That's why I don't subscribe to the belief that every Muslim is a suicide bomber.

[PhilB]

Yes, freedom of expression includes the right to be offensive. There is a line, or a limit, when you cross over into direct attacks -- threats, slander or libel on an individual, harassment of an individual. Those are not acceptable.

But it is properly a component of liberty that you may believe and say anything you like, no matter how stupid. Now that does NOT mean that you can expect or demand that there be no consequences for it. Others, of course have the right to say anything in response, even if it is also stupid or mean. Likewise, you could lose your job, or people could quit patronizing your business. And you have no right to demand that others publish, spread, or give you a platform for your speech.

PhilB

[leemajaz]

Originally Posted by bush

And yet, we still see many compassionate and all around normal Christians.

That's why I don't subscribe to the belief that every Muslim is a suicide bomber.

+1 some of the best people i know are muslim.

[troth281]

I'm not saying all muslims are evil... I'm just saying, from what I've read about the Koran, they are a lot less tolerant of other people.

[acalliste]

Originally Posted by bush

Does freedom of expression mean the right to offend? Is it unacceptable to say something that might offend somebody else? Are you violationg another person's rights when you say something offensive?

How are you always supposed to know what other people find offensive, beyond the glaringly obvious? Some people flip out over four letter words, other people aren't offended no matter you say to them.

There is also a time and place for everything. Some of the things I say on this forum aren't offensive in context, but if I were to repeat them during Thanksgiving dinner, my Mom would probably be offended.

You have the freedom to express yourself, but you should also have the tact to know when to practice it.

[EEfz6]

Originally Posted by acalliste

How are you always supposed to know what other people find offensive, beyond the glaringly obvious? Some people flip out over four letter words, other people aren't offended no matter you say to them.

There is also a time and place for everything. Some of the things I say on this forum aren't offensive in context, but if I were to repeat them during Thanksgiving dinner, my Mom would probably be offended.

You have the freedom to express yourself, but you should also have the tact to know when to practice it.

Can I see your tits?