discuss Is Free Speech Under Threat?

[Yama]

Free speech is the basic norm of democracy but it is being restricted even in democracies. One prime example is the cancel culture and content moderation on social media, or even social media bills introduced in many countries. Some people still argue that these steps are necessary as they prevent harm. Is freedom of expression truly at risk, or is this accountability in action?

 

[Apsara]

Yes, free speech is under threat in many places, but the nature of that threat varies. In some countries, censorship and authoritarianism limit expression, while in others, misinformation, hate speech, and cancel culture create complex challenges.

 

[Unlocked]

Absolutely, there are many threats coming down the line for free speech, not only as it applies in the US but also in other countries around the world. The mainstream media and press are going to be affected massively and news coverage is going to change in huge ways.

Also, slightly linked to this issue is the worrying news that governments are again taking tech companies (in this case Apple) to court to try to force them to break their own encryption and allow law enforcement agencies backdoors into products. That's dangerous.

 

[Reelz]

The freedom of speech lies in danger of permanent suppression. Through content moderation systems. This will lead to a restricted discussion among the public. The so called social media legislation in combination with government restrictions creates opportunities for the suppression of minority groups and the restriction of free speech. This is crazy.

 

[riberet]

I think that since the age of the internet, it has been in danger, the internet gave the possibility to expand the aspect of free speech, but due to the oppression that is experienced on the internet today by governments it is more in danger than ever

 

[1stop]

We need accountability systems to function properly yet free speech should never be restricted because of it.

 

[Jason]

Trump is against Cancel Culture, sure, but he's also limiting protests of the Palestinian situation.

 

[Harsh World]

but he's also limiting protests of the Palestinian situation.

He's limiting the disruption on college campuses, where students (and the federal government) pay for attendance and education, by not providing any federal aid if that occurs.

They're more than welcome to protest in public parks, etc., or where permitted. However, I don't feel a college campus is the right place to do it, especially considering my education was $25,000 per year, and if I weren't getting what I paid for, I'd be pissed. I'm sure a lot of students feel that way about protests on campus but won't speak out about it due to the backlash they'd receive from the lunatic lefties engaging in such activities.

I see nothing wrong with that.

It'd be much like a protest taking place in a Wal-Mart. You'd essentially be making the customers uncomfortable to be there. What should Wal-Mart do in that instance? 86/trespass them for their disturbance.

 

[Jason]

He's limiting the disruption on college campuses, where students (and the federal government) pay for attendance and education, by not providing any federal aid if that occurs.

They're more than welcome to protest in public parks, etc., or where permitted. However, I don't feel a college campus is the right place to do it, especially considering my education was $25,000 per year, and if I weren't getting what I paid for, I'd be pissed. I'm sure a lot of students feel that way about protests on campus but won't speak out about it due to the backlash they'd receive from the lunatic lefties engaging in such activities.

I see nothing wrong with that.

It'd be much like a protest taking place in a Wal-Mart. You'd essentially be making the customers uncomfortable to be there. What should Wal-Mart do in that instance? 86/trespass them for their disturbance.

Protests can be ignored, unless they are so loud they disrupt classes.

 

[Harsh World]

Protests can be ignored, unless they are so loud they disrupt classes.

They have been shown to barricade the campus entrances and occupy the buildings when it rains (because, of course, they need comfort from the elements when protesting).

There have been instances where they go into lectures and yell in the faces of instructors teaching a course.

These two alone are good enough to try and get it to stop, and that's by taking away the carrot so that the school enforces it.

 

[Jason]

They have been shown to barricade the campus entrances and occupy the buildings when it rains (because, of course, they need comfort from the elements when protesting).

There have been instances where they go into lectures and yell in the faces of instructors teaching a course.

These two alone are good enough to try and get it to stop, and that's by taking away the carrot so that the school enforces it.

They have to do something about that but not chanting and stuff. Trump wants it all gone

 

[Harsh World]

They have to do something about that but not chanting and stuff. Trump wants it all gone

Yes, because even a sit-in quiet protest can disrupt the learning process.

Again, you can protest in parks, etc., and where permitted. You just can't protest at an institution where learning, which is federally funded, is supposed to be taking place, but can't because of the constant interruptions.

 

[Jason]

Yes, because even a sit-in quiet protest can disrupt the learning process.

Again, you can protest in parks, etc., and where permitted. You just can't protest at an institution where learning, which is federally funded, is supposed to be taking place, but can't because of the constant interruptions.

I think the right is being oversensitive, honestly.

 

[Harsh World]

I think the right is being oversensitive, honestly.

And you have that right to believe that.

As demonstrated, there are times and places, and I believe that it should not be conducted in a manner that doesn't obstruct someone else's right to the freedom of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, that you can group into getting a proper education with.