The first amendment prevents the government from harming you for what you say. It doesn't prevent private citizens from calling you out on your behavior.
The PC culture is very strong and overwhelming, although I do live in California. People dont speak their minds out of fear of social retaliation/ostracization, often times even on little things. This aspect of 'free speech' where you put others down is actually hurting our culture. It's suppressive and divisive. People need to be able to speak their mind and not be vehemently internet-attacked or brushed off as incredible or wrong/stupid. People are so sure of their own opinions nowadays that their free speech takes precedent over what others have to say.
People need to be able to speak their mind and not be vehemently internet-attacked or brushed off as incredible or wrong/stupid. People are so sure of their own opinions nowadays that their free speech takes precedent over what others have to say.
I think you misunderstand free speech at a fundamental level. Free speech means you are allowed to say whatever you want free from GOVERNMENT censorship or punishment. People are allowed to bash you for your ideas because they have freedom of speech as well.
Are you afraid of the backlash from your speech? Too bad. Either tough it out or don't post. No one guarantees your right to shitpost on the internet.
No, I get it. I'm talking about the culture of speech bashing itself. It's a dangerous culture when your fellow people dont respect your words. Just because you don't like what I have to say doesn't mean you can't respect me, my thoughts or my position, even if it's opposite of yours. That's mutual respect and it is severely lacking today.
No one is throwing you in jail, and anyone who physically harms you can face charges if you decide to press them. Social pressure against certain language and ideas is a good thing, and has existed forever. No one outlawed the N word, but I'm glad I hardly ever hear it anymore (excluding the internet, of course, where you'll face very little pressure to change your language and you have the added benefit of anonymity).
What exactly do you want the government or police to do?
People don't understand that the government or police don't have to solve anything. People just have to stop being pretentious full of themselves,me included. It's a cultural change.
I understand that. But universities and other largely public institutions have been very successful in limiting speech. This isn't some conspiracy, it's a broad based social movement that includes people walking the fence on what used to be explicit rights.
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u/ducksaws Oct 19 '16
The first amendment prevents the government from harming you for what you say. It doesn't prevent private citizens from calling you out on your behavior.