How free should free speech be ?

Discussion in 'Random Thoughts' started by Duncan, May 31, 2004.

  1. Duncan

    Duncan Senior Member Lifetime Supporter

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    I wrote to Skip about a user's choice of avatar. It was VERY offensive. The reply I got was that this is a free speech forum and that I should NEVER forget it. I tried looking for the guidelines (and don't know where they are).

    Just curious... if something is blatantly offensive, what would YOU do about it?
     
  2. bird_migration

    bird_migration ~

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    There is not much that offends me, so I suggest to open your mind a bit.
     
  3. Ginge

    Ginge Ye Olde Member

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    You could put that user on your ignore list. That way you wouldn't have to see their posts or their avatar. :) And really, I think ignoring it is about all you can do. People can (and will) apply free speech to just about anything they say/wear/display/etc.
     
  4. nimh

    nimh ~foodie~

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    what ginge said... but that doesnt work if you want to ignore a mod (cant put moderators on ignore)

    why not ask that person to change their pic?? who knows, they might change it for you if you ask them nicely.
     
  5. seamonster66

    seamonster66 discount dracula

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    I´m guessing it was in regards to the swatztika avatar of busters....it is my opinion that we cannot have it both ways, it´s either a free speech site or it isn´t. I agree that is a very offensive symbol, and I despise Nazis, but since the symbol is not illegal, like child porn, I guess it stays.
     
  6. Fractual_

    Fractual_ cosmos factory

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    yeah what was the avatar anyways?
     
  7. Samhain

    Samhain Lifetime Supporter Lifetime Supporter

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    theres something i need to say here, a symbol can't be offensive, people may find it offensive I might do, you might do, but a symbol isn't.
    as i don't know what or who you are talking about i'll quickly mention two symbols that have been bastardised and used to upset or/and hurt people.
    the first is the swatztika

    this symbol is an ancient symbol harking from india meaning propsperity, now interesting enough it can be found in at least one ancient church, and so (ironically) enough may also have ment peace.

    the other one is a speical symbol to me and its the upside down penticle

    the penticle also has roots in the christain church, but is used in wicca to represent the horned god and second degree initiation, unfortunatly its also been adtoped as the main symbol in satanism and now lots of pagans are wary about wearing a penticle upside down or overwise.
    yours truely is not included as i wear mine every day.

    i'm not for one minuet saying that we should ever forget about all the lives that where ruined and ended as a result of the (misuse) of these symbols particulary the swatztika.
    but remember they are just symbols and getting angry or upset about this is just buying into the misuse, as people use these things to upset.
    let this person have his or her little symbol and you sit smugly back and know that its got greater meanings than they'll probably ever know.

    S
     
  8. olhippie54

    olhippie54 Touch Of Grey Lifetime Supporter

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    The only restrictions on speech are when it can cause actual danger to others. Such as yelling "FIRE!!!" in a crowded theatre. Or making unsubstanciated alligations towars someone. That would be slander.

    In here we have the option of ignore so pretty much anything goes.
     
  9. Duncan

    Duncan Senior Member Lifetime Supporter

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    I don't quite understand

    (a) where you come off saying that my mind should be more open;
    (b) how you equate offense with open-mindedness
    and
    (c) how you conclude that my being offended by something suggests that I have a closed mind

    by analogy

    I could probably say that since there is not much that offends you, perhaps you have nothing but cobwebs and rice pudding in your mind... so I suggest you develop feelings, intellect, sensibilities, sensitivities and cognitive faculties.

    I could.... but I would never say such a thing :)

    Thanks for you input though!
     
  10. Juggalo4ever

    Juggalo4ever KingoftheChubbyGirls

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    What was it?
     
  11. Juggalo4ever

    Juggalo4ever KingoftheChubbyGirls

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    Picking on bird offends me, Ban duncan please:eek:
     
  12. Jetblack

    Jetblack Senior Member

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    ive noticed some ppl on this forum especially ppl in the politcal sections of this forum are very quick to critize and judge ppl and call ppl names and make rude commenst about wat u believe in and its just plain stupid they think eveyrthing they believe in is great but some1 else makes an opinion its like u cant be ther eu have to go away sorry a little off the topic but i was in the moment
     
  13. bird_migration

    bird_migration ~

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    I agree, I have underdeveloped (or maybe damaged) feelings, intellect etc. etc. ad infinitum.
    Maybe that is why I am happy and do not complain about trivial things like avatars.
     
  14. Samhain

    Samhain Lifetime Supporter Lifetime Supporter

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    do you seriously have that opinon about your self or are you being sarcastic, cause you may have hit the nail on the head in a round about type of way.
    judgeing others through poor self esteem is very common on forums maybe you should look at that

    S
     
  15. bird_migration

    bird_migration ~

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    I do have that opinion about myself, however it has nothing to do with poor self esteem.
    Or maybe it does, I do not feel the need to think about that really.
    Also I do not understand your point if you have one.
     
  16. Samhain

    Samhain Lifetime Supporter Lifetime Supporter

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    respectfully if you feel you have damaged feelings and intellect, judgeing others and putting them down in a round about sort of way could be a way of making your self feel less damaged, also it stops one thinking about their own short comings.
    that was my point

    Blessings

    S
     
  17. WayfaringStranger

    WayfaringStranger Corporate Slave #34

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    i tend to get offended by alot of things. but i have to realize that if i am offended, right or wrong, it is something inside of me causing the problem, not someone else. its when someone else has a problem and i let it become my own, is when i get offended. the world is not a friendly or safe place, and to deal with it in a positive manner, you have to harden your heart a bit, as unideal as that is. i cant change peoples hearts, i cant save the world, all i can do is keep myself safe. i could ban people who are offensive, but then im volnurable to the next offensive person, but if i can learn to deal with that offense, then the next time i will be invincible to people who try to provoke me.
     
  18. bird_migration

    bird_migration ~

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    I am just partly cynical and sarcastic by nature.
    Also I am not always being serious since I do not see the use of that.
    You may say I am a caricature of myself and I never put anyone down just to hide my damaged feelings and/or shortcomings, which I have plenty like anyone else.
     
  19. Samhain

    Samhain Lifetime Supporter Lifetime Supporter

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    Really?
    is it that easy to know that your not putting someone down because of your damaged feelings when you actually feel damaged. is it that easy to have that kind of insight and perspective?

    i think its better to have insight on what we say to people in forums, its easy to forget how much hurt and offense that can be caused by simple words, and as we can't take responsibility for the feelings of others or easily take back hurt, once someone feels that way, maybe its better to think deeper about what one needs/likes to say and for what purpose.

    when we have insight into our damage and take steps towards healing ourself we also have insight about how we have treated others along the way.
    regrets at this stage can be painful

    blessings
    S
     
  20. bird_migration

    bird_migration ~

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    I suggest you stop analyzing me, since you are obviously not very good at it.
    If even words on an internet forum hurt I wonder how fragile those people are in 'real' life.
     

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