Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Freedom of speech
One of United StatesConstitution is the first amendment which is freedom of speech; however, it doesn’t seem to be true or clear. I think people should have the right to be who they want to be, say what they want to say , if they believe it’s right for them they shouldn’t be judge based on the things they said or their beliefs . Everyone has their own degree of value or believes it might not be right for others. Just like Miss California, this is part of the article “Miss California USA Carrie Prejean, of San Diego, did not capture the Miss USA crown on Sunday night and some are wondering whether her answer to a question from pageant judge and celebrity blogger Perez Hilton might have cost her the title. Here is a transcript of the exchange:”Perez Hilton: “Vermont recently became the 4th state to legalize same-sex marriage. Do you think every state should follow suit. Why or why not?”I don’t think it’s fair for him to judge her because she didn’t support same sex marriage, that her beliefs. I am so proud of her, that she stands for her right not to pleas someone, just because to win the competition. At the same time she didn’t even say that, she doesn’t support any gay society she said, “We live in a land where you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite marriage. And you know what, in my country, in my family, I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anybody out there, but that’s how I was raised and that’s how I think it should be between a man and a woman. Thank you very much.” She didn’t make her answer black or white, which she could have if she want to because that her right. However she answered correctly based on her beliefs and with politely. The main point it’s not only for gay people, lesbian, or homosexual people, the point is to make a perfect society and to have less problem is start with respecting and supporting each individual’s right, so we don’t leave this kind of problem for the next generations.
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It was her right to say what she believes, and believe it as well. But at what point does freedom of speech and liberty turn into imposing your beliefs upon another? So, if someone doesnt agree with gay marriage, does that mean it shouldn't exist? If two homosexuals get married their will is not being imposed upon anyone, but when someone says that two people can't get married that IS imposing will upon others. Whether you believe it right or wrong, if it isnt hurting anyone then you shouldn't be able to stop it. Interacial marriage was "wrong" and one point, and look how that turned out.
ReplyDeleteHopefully Hilton meant something along the lines of "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." ~Voltaire. With that I can agree.
I think that the government has a lot of trouble deciphering what should be recognized as freedom of speech and what shouldn't. This amendment was written hundred of years ago and left a lot of room for debate. I think the people who wrote this bill was trying to be as politically careful as possible. However, how do you change it? You can't add more limitations to it because you start to sound extremist and you definitely can't make it anymore liberal than how it is written.
ReplyDeleteYou shouldn't change freedom of speech. This isn't about the freedom to say what you want or how you feel. SUPOSEDLY they choose these women with the intention to be role models to other young girls. Once winning a pageant these women speak at different functions many relating to teens and younger. If this woman is in a position of influence they want to make sure that her influence is not harmful to anyone. All in all the gay marriage issue is about a civil right. Her opinion can be spoken anytime she wants, but in the eyes of many her words support inequality. Just because you have the freedom to say something doesn’t mean that you aren’t going to be held accountable by others for what it is you say. The freedom of speech part is the fact that she wasn’t arrested for saying it!!
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ReplyDeleteI totally agree with what you said. I think in America everyone has their own rights to say what they want. Plus, what Miss California said to the question Perez Hilton asked was her own opinion towards the same-sex marriage and she wasn't trying to pursuade people to make people on her side. I saw several video clips about the news that told about that happening, and in the interview with the Perez Hilton, the way he talks about that moment in the competition sounded like as if he already (and clearly!) had what he wanted to hear -- supporting the same-sex marriage -- and was going to make decision depending on her answer. I don't think that is fair, and I think that people should have a respect to what other people say about certain point even if that opinion may be different or totally opposite.
ReplyDeleteEveryone is entitled to their own opinion. When you start enforcing that opinion on others or treat people differently because of it is where the line should be drawn. Perez Hilton is probably one of the most annoying people alive. He asked a loaded question based on his own view that affected the outcome of the competition. She said what she believed and she is entitled to it. Even after she stated her opinion she added, "No offense to anybody there, but that's how I was raised and that's how I think it should be, between a man and a woman." Perez later posted a video blog labeling her as a dumb bitch. Then when called out on it, he quickly revoked his statement and offered to take her out for coffee to apologize. In my opinion he's the dumb bitch for hosting a website that does nothing but expose the flaws in other people's lives for his own entertainment. Great guy.
ReplyDeleteI couldn’t agree more with you Mizan. (always insightful, with thought-provoking ideas). Miss USA contestant Carrie Prejean stood up for her beliefs, but she was expected to play the fence. Far too often in the media, people will sell themselves out in order to gain accolades, or move into positions of power. I’ve heard so many people say how proud they were of Ms. Prejean and how she maintained her Christian beliefs. But I was watching one of the “dinner-circuit” shows, and they were her. They showed that she was not as Christian as some people thought as she was posing in some pretty provocative and racey photos. Critics will always look to the negative of what you do, but when you assert yourself and try to do what you think is right, for that you get no credit.
ReplyDeleteI don't think freedom of speech should be limited. It is a right that people gained after so many revolutions, that together with the right of equality. therefore freedom of should not have boundaries. We are free to do what every we wants as long we don't harm others and don't violate their rights. it should not be used to provoke hatred and division among people.
ReplyDeleteThere is often a difference between what one CAN say (rights) and what one OUGHT to say (things that are accurate, things that are 'good,' etc.)
ReplyDeleteI have the right to say the sky is yellow, but it doesn't make me correct. I have the right to say we should eat kittens, but it doesn't make it a good idea. So, then, the question is, if the government is going to take responsibility to protect people's rights to say (mostly) anything, whose responsibility is it to deal with the rest? Can and should the government nudge us towards what is accurate or good, or should we be left to monitor ourselves and each other on these dimensions?
Madison I see what you are saying, but I think when people like Miss Carrie Prejean express their views they are looking at society as a whole. They see gay marriage as a socially disturbing act. Although they say if you are gay then do what you do, I think they are really saying that this thing is destroying our culture. It may be starting off as small and innocent, but if more and more people are getting married who are gay, then it will destroy this christian nation. Another thing, the debate over interracial marriage has its basis in race. Not gay marriage. Alot of gay people make the argument that they want their civil liberties to be acknowledged. They are pulling a theoretical and intellectual manuever. Interracial marriage offends people's sensibilities because they cannot fathom seeing black with anything. And they hate that one person who interrelated themselves to that black person. But gay marriage offends people's sensibilities for religious/biblical and immoral reasons. Okay Im not trying to start an argument but maybe this little story might help: when I was living in Ny a couple of years ago. I had a friend who had 2 daughters and one Sunday he took them with his wife to Ihop for brunch. And he saw 2 women kissing. He was very offended because he didn't want his two daughter to be exposed to this.
ReplyDeleteAnd this is why people dont want gay marriage. Innocent kids are watching and they do what they see. When adults formulate their views on this matter whether for or against it, its ok. But for an innocent child who cannot understand whats going on, how do you explain it to them?
I dont think we can monitor ourselves. Because what you might deem unoffensive may be of the highest insults to me. The government should play a role in monitoring what people say but allow freedom of expression and creativity. We exist as a people to enrich not only our individual lives but to enrich other lives as well. But listening to Rush Limbaugh makes me think the government needs to step in and censor him. Why? He says things that are treacherous in my opinion. Can you imagine anyone in history that could speak so freely and openly against the president currently in office. Its absurd and it needs to stop. Yes people hated Bush, but some modicum of respect were still held; some lines are just not crossed.
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