Tuesday 29 May 2012

Quote


“By definition, free speech doesn’t mean anything unless some people are going to be offended some of the time.”

Michael Gove

3 comments:

  1. Oh Z. it doesn't have to be like that, although some words, which have to be used because there's no other option, may sound derogatorily. For example when I write this:
    You can't expect someone to grow up to perversion, that would be a proof of that someone's immaturity. Growing up to perversion is impossible, your can either grow out of perversion or substitute it with another perversion.
    So, when I write this, a person may feel offended or labelled a retard. Of course this is not my aim to offend or else, but to use the right word describing particular situation from my point of view. I know it describes someone's reality, but still, it is the right word to use. Can't help it, this is my classification, this is my answer.
    Things can be presented differently, beautifully, alluringly with the use of other, opposite convention (I read and liked, thank you). In the end, still, perversion is the erotic form of hostility and perverse sympthoms are products of anxiety and are a response to an attack on a person's gender identity.

    You know that one's gender identity can be elusive.

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  2. I accept your point, but the principle behind the quote is that we all have strong views and opinions on a whole range of issues, and the fact that some of those views will offend some people should not be a reason for silencing people. The principle of freedom of speech it is true also gives people the right to be gratuitously offensive, which is less desirable, but you have to be careful not to trow the baby out with the bathwater. And deliberately offensive behaviour tells you a great deal about the originator. "By their words shall ye know them"

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    Replies
    1. True, and I agree with you, but as you write, 'you have to be careful not to throw the baby out with the bathwater'.

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