Originally posted by: BirdieNumNum
i think it would be silly to say that freedom of speech should be absolute and applicable in all circumstances. The classic example is of someone yelling "fire" in a crowded auditorium. We dont want that, do we? Clearly there should be boundaries.
i also think we cant go cuckoo over demanding total freedom of speech. In a heterogenous society like ours where there are existing fissures between different groups, imo the boundaries have to be tight. But let's be clear- there are boundaries imposed on free speech even in very homogenous societies where its easier to iron out differences and the resources to manage potential trouble (although the riots in Charlottesville showed us otherwise). Most societies realize there's a practical side to how far some freedoms can be given, and that's how they get laws enacted by democratic representation. So just saying we should have freedom of speech and its the government's failing if we don't, that's a very dogmatic view imo. In the real world (not the cuckoo world), there are practicalities to consider.
ps- agree with the point you made about that member who called for the beheading. I also think if people can freely mock Hindu rituals with impunity, the reverse should also be fine. Just have a uniform civil code applicable to everyone... am ok with some limits on freedom as long as it applies to everyone.
There's a diff btw shouting "fire" in a theatre, which leaves those listening no option but to stampede or die, and expressing a bad opinion of a religion, which leaves the audience the choice of how to react.
Anything which doesn't leave the listener without an option except to cause physical harm to self or someone else is a crime.
Rest is free speech.
Indulging the medieval inclinations of some sections of the society is agreeing they don't have the capacity to behave in a civil manner. ie, society considers them savages and indulges them. I cannot agree.
If they want the same rights as 21st century adults, they have to behave like 21st century adults. Which means, feel offended by all means, but you don't get the right to harm the speaker. This applies for Islam, Hinduism, Christianity, Buddhism, Judaism, whatever other isms you can think of.
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