Freedom of speech is not synonymous with the freedom to insult. Freedom of speech rightfully gives people the right to criticize, but some people abuse this and use it as an excuse to insult. There IS a difference between criticizing and insulting. Criticizing is the appropriate way to address something you don't like, and it can be used to initiate dialogue and discussion that can help people to come to a common ground, or at least, reach an understanding about each other's different opinions. Insulting is merely an impulsive behavior with the intention to provoke and to hurt. Surely this is not good for progression in society. People who use freedom of speech to insult say that there is fault in the person for 'feeling offended' and that they should allow people to insult them. Talk about putting the accusation on the victim? Freedom to insult causes alienation between groups and undermines respect for one another and thus will be a gateway for conflicts between people. Also, when respect is gone and conflicts happen, love for one another will also diminish.
Advocates of the freedom to insult, please have a forsight on the consequences of such an act.
No comments:
Post a Comment