Even when we hate the speech, we have to protect its freedom
+As a writer and an American, free speech and access to that speech is of paramount importance. That's why it's so hard when something like the offensive video that has caused all the trouble becomes the object of defense. This is not the first time that ugly words meant to hurt and harm have arise and we are left to defend the freedom to speak even while we deplore the text of the speech. Truly having freedom of speech means allowing words that we don't agree with, not censuring that speech, except of course for the yelling "fire" in a crowded room. Some might believe that this vile video is equal to that scream of "fire," but others worry that any censorship is a step down the proverbial slippery slope. Violence has no excuse, and certainly causing death or injury has no justification in this case. As a writer I'm in the thrall of words, believe in their power, understand their effect, so as abhorrent as this video might be, there has to be a place for dissent, discourse and diversity.
But it appears that this video gave the extremists the very match to start their fires of hatred. We must be sure that our speech is part of the discussion not the blowtorch to innite explosions.
But it appears that this video gave the extremists the very match to start their fires of hatred. We must be sure that our speech is part of the discussion not the blowtorch to innite explosions.
Published on September 14, 2012 20:01
No comments have been added yet.
Marketing Is Harder Than Writing-
Once the book is done, now the hard work begins. Promoting, marketing, publicity, press release, signings, readings. All necessary, getting it started takes lots of time and energy. The problem in tod
Once the book is done, now the hard work begins. Promoting, marketing, publicity, press release, signings, readings. All necessary, getting it started takes lots of time and energy. The problem in today's world is, so much of it is on-line. No human contact. Emails, tweets, facebook, voice mails, where did the humans go. Of course when you get to meet your readers, it's all worth it.
But until you do, you're on hold a great deal of the time, waiting, holding, listening to a cover version of some 70's tune or classical music with a lot of static. Still holding, hearing a message " your call is important to us, we'll be with your as soon as we can." Really? After long waits, do you find yourself screaming at recorded messages or Muzak? My cats have long ago decided that I'm insane, yelling at website that's not user friendly or a recorded message. But in service of my book, I do it. Hoping I will meet a human along the way. ...more
But until you do, you're on hold a great deal of the time, waiting, holding, listening to a cover version of some 70's tune or classical music with a lot of static. Still holding, hearing a message " your call is important to us, we'll be with your as soon as we can." Really? After long waits, do you find yourself screaming at recorded messages or Muzak? My cats have long ago decided that I'm insane, yelling at website that's not user friendly or a recorded message. But in service of my book, I do it. Hoping I will meet a human along the way. ...more
- Beverly Magid's profile
- 303 followers
