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Dear Sensible Centrists - the freedom of speech is not a Platonic form and does not exist in a vacuum.
Per the paradox of tolerance, the freedom of speech is something that can itself be used to withdraw or destroy freedoms - and not just of speech.
Per the paradox of tolerance, the freedom of speech is something that can itself be used to withdraw or destroy freedoms - and not just of speech.
If your words are felt to cause harm, then there may be consequences attached to your using them, and that's part of the cost and always has been - the wrong word in the wrong place at the wrong time is more destructive than any petrol bomb.
Words are life, but the wrong words can be death.
Words can liberate; but can also heap chains to those who are already in duress.
You don't get to add to the suffering of the oppressed and - when pressured - then claim a refuge in the freedom of abstract discourse.
Words can liberate; but can also heap chains to those who are already in duress.
You don't get to add to the suffering of the oppressed and - when pressured - then claim a refuge in the freedom of abstract discourse.
Our world and the Internet are not just a symposium of equals - while we are all free to speak; the bigger the name, the louder the voice.
The more 'reach' you have, the more attention your words will get - and the more responsibility upon you to choose your words carefully.
The more 'reach' you have, the more attention your words will get - and the more responsibility upon you to choose your words carefully.
Freedom of speech is vital, but isn't just saying anything with impunity.
'Anyone can say what they like in the square. We have another tradition, though, called free listening. Unfortunately, when people dislike what they hear, they can become a little... testy.' ( @terryandrob)
'Anyone can say what they like in the square. We have another tradition, though, called free listening. Unfortunately, when people dislike what they hear, they can become a little... testy.' ( @terryandrob)
If your audience is global, then the pool of people likely to lob rotten veg at you is very large indeed.
Which is not to say that you shouldn't say it.
Equally, don't affect to be surprised by airborne fruit - especially if you wander into a culture war and start shooting.
Which is not to say that you shouldn't say it.
Equally, don't affect to be surprised by airborne fruit - especially if you wander into a culture war and start shooting.
