Re:Freedom of speech is in retreat
by dragontamer on Tuesday June 07, 2016 @10:04AM
(#11854558)
> then we need a new word to mean freedom to express ideas without people actively organizing to try to hurt you.
We used to call that bullying. And that "freedom" never existed. That's why we make laws to throw bullies in jail, to discourage bullying.
Harassment, bullying, etc. etc. People are assholes. That will always exist, and at best the behavior can only be discouraged. Basic schoolyard principles yo.
The problem is that those bullies are using this argument to pretend they're doing nothing wrong.
Even if true free speech never existed, the idea of it shows exactly how they're being assholes.
Yes, it is an intriguing thing to witness. Bullies claiming they need the power to restrict the speech of their bullies. Sometimes they are correct when they point out the alleged bullies, but too many times the "bully" is someone that simply disagrees.
> If we define "free speech" to mean freedom from oppression only by government
That's not an "if", that's what it means and what's it's always meant, it's been defined that way since the founding of the country.
> then we need a new word to mean freedom to express ideas without people actively organizing to try to hurt you.
Assault is already illegal, we don't need a new word to describe out right not to be physically assaulted.
If we define "free speech" to mean freedom from oppression only by government, then we need a new word to mean freedom to express ideas without people actively organizing to try to hurt you.
Edit: And the recent bad behavior is effective. I'm a little rebellious and I explore a lot of different ideas. I'm afraid to express certain ideas, opinions or even information that are not popular. I'm afraid that it might wipe out my career or pose physical danger to me if someone misinterprets what I say and turns the mob against me.