Blogson-in-law Alex of Alex in Wonderland is contemplating the meaning of the phrase "freedom of speech". Although in America it's usually discussed as a legal matter, he also makes note that - in a broader view - it's possible to have your freedom curtailed by peer pressure, even if it doesn't amount to a rights violation, per se.

Which brings me to the topic of how to voice objectionable opinions.

We all have opinions that other people wouldn't like, and we usually know it before speaking them. Yet sometimes the information is interesting or important. So what do you do?

My suggestion: stay calm, stick to facts, and limit yourself to a short, conclusory paragraph at the end, instead of interspersing the facts with copioius ranting invective.

For example, let's say that I'm disgusted by some things that certain black people are doing. I need to make it clear that it's motivated by hatred of stupidity, and not hatred of blacks in toto. I'd probably write something like this:

Or the MSM needs to speak up.

Because I haven't heard much about:

Louis Farrakan, who recently said "FEMA is too White to represent us and so is the Red Cross."

Or Kamau Kambon, who gave a speech a while back and said "We have to exterminate white people off the face of the planet" (audio clip of speech here)

By the way, did anyone else know that some free blacks actually owned slaves? I don't mean just buying family members, I'm talking about a plantationful.

Wonder how the reparations crowd plans to handle that?

Oh, and there's a tendency for "people of color" not to get prosecuted under "hate crime" laws.

And does anyone remember when the Neo-Nazis marched in Toledo against "black gang violence"... at which point black gang members violently rioted in the streets? Pegged the irony meter, it did.

What's my point?

Just saying that white people don't have a monopoly on stupidity, that's all.

And then dump the steaming pile in the comments at IMAO... say in someone's Filthy Lie Assignment.

Of course, if I did that, then SarahK would rewrite the comment to make me look foolish, my message would be completely lost, and my exercise of free speech in this case would be futile.

So I agree with Alex - don't be afraid speak your mind. However, DO keep your audience in mind and make your controversial points simply, clearly, factually, and (if possible) with supportive linkage.

Remember, if a free speech falls in a forest and no one sticks around to hear it, it doesn't actually make a sound.

Posted by: Harvey at 07:39 AM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
Post contains 481 words, total size 4 kb.

1 ... Or start your own blog and say whatever you want.

Posted by: _Jon at December 01, 2005 08:24 AM (g9Y9+)

2 This is the stupidest thing you've ever written! I demand you delete it now! Actually, I think everyone should just say what they think and feel. They just need to be preparred for the backlash of dissenting oppinion. IE this is your blog if you wanted to go off on how you feel that there is a huge double standard on what is considered racist and equal opportunity, go for it. If the MSM pick up on it and give out your address, you may get flooded with visitors that strongly disagree with you. Thus comments galore telling you that you are a moron. It's your freedom to spout off and it's thier freedom to respond.

Posted by: Contagion at December 01, 2005 09:19 AM (Q5WxB)

3 Well, I'm glad you linked to Alex's post because I only found out yesterday that Sally was contemplating giving up the blog. I need to email her because now I know why she's doing it. Blogging as free speech is a bit of a problem because morons will tend to respond to you either through comments or email and it's very difficult not to be hurt by their blatherings. Even if you do state things calmly and factually, there are often people who will go nuts over it. Then the delete key becomes your best friend. After all, as _Jon said - they can get their own blog and blather.

Posted by: Teresa at December 01, 2005 01:30 PM (FZwDL)

4 Oh no doubt you will get called a racist because you dared to go outside the political correct norm. But I have found that those who call me racist cannot refute the facts so they resort to words of insults to cover their inadaquacy of logic. Now, if I could yell insults loud enough to cover my inadequacy of spelling and typing

Posted by: GUYK at December 01, 2005 06:05 PM (hGIvu)

5 What's the fun of having a blog if you don't have people disagree? I love the occasional troll because I get the chance to slam on them with basic logic. Usually they will label me a Nazi and run.

Posted by: SeanS at December 02, 2005 12:57 AM (cEjQ0)

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