How do you feel about people who use “I have freedom of speech” as a first defense for something that could be taken as offensive or extremely rude and hurtful?

2012-11-01-18:50

Question with 9 notes

Anonymous asked:

How do you feel about people who use "I have freedom of speech" as a first defense for something that could be taken as offensive or extremely rude and hurtful?

Well a lot of the time it’s a very valid point to make. In places where you control your content stream, such as your own blog, you don’t have any obligation to censor your own content unless the administration of the site cracks down on you. On the internet, you do have freedom of speech. If you don’t like the things they are saying, you can unfollow them. If you find they are very extreme and could be harmful, then chances are they are already getting shit for being how they are. And if they’re already infamous… well there’s nothing worse you can do to them at that point over the internet… legally…

At the same time, the borders blur. Especially on a place on Tumblr where there are incredibly unrealistic notions of what is “offensive” and “extremely rude”. If someone is some big name whose words are tossed around a lot, you do have to pinch your words carefully because your audience will be very wide.

There’s a difference when you are getting involved with other people directly. If you drop names on your own blog, or send messages to other people, then that is direct and intended to offend a specific person. If you are attacking someone directly, or a group of specific people directly, or even a general group directly such as a fandom or some other amalgamation like that, it’s never valid to use the “freedom of speech” excuse. You’re not just shouting fire in a crowded theatre, you’re opening fire in a crowded theatre. And Batman would surely disapprove of that.

Tagged: Anonymous TW: ASK

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