When my daughter Fiona was a baby, I taught her "baby sign" -- simple hand gestures for words like please, more, juice, and (her favorite) "doggie". At 13 months, even before "Mama" and "Daddy," Fiona was talking up a storm. But having lived in countries where I couldn't speak the language, I am sympathetic to small children -- they have wants and needs and feelings and (even) opinions, and yet they can't express themselves. Language is such a gift to us -- can you imagine what life would be like without it?
Language, speech, is seen as so important by our culture that it is protected by the First Amendment. You should be able to voice your opinion regarding government, economics, business, religion...you can use your words to advocate for what you think is important in life. I support that fully. And yet demonstrations like the one that took place in West Allis on Saturday (http://www.jsonline.com/news/milwaukee/129103613.html) give me pause. When what you're saying is designed to harm another group of people, members not by choice or preference or free will but simply by the color of their skin, should you be allowed to say it? These people claim to have cause, to be advocating for their own safety...so does that justify their language and approach?
What do you think?
Yes the rally on Saturday was justified because they have the right to free speech. But I think that is is wrong and hurtful to have these rallys. But this is their right and as long as they are not causing any physical harm to anyone they are just stating their views thats fine. But if it escalates into something more than just verbal statements it can be handled at that time.
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ReplyDeleteI agree that language is important in our culture as a way to communicate or stand up for what you believe in. It is used in many ways around the world and especially in America where people protest to represent what they choose to follow. People would do many things for attention and even risking their own safety. The rally did demonstrate their language and made their point clear to the public. One thing will lead to another, so in opinion, it is right to stand up for what you believe in.
ReplyDeleteI feel that if one feels strongly enough they should be able to express their opinions in public. However, there are certain things that should be taken into account when expressing opinions. Think about how the public will react to what you say. If the public is offended by you or your persona do you think they will be very receptive of what you are trying to say? Doubt it.
ReplyDeleteThey can say whatever they want but it makes them ignorant and stupid. Its part of the constitution so they say it.
ReplyDeleteif someone is saying how they feel about a "specific" person in a very mean and nasty way than i might say that what their saying isn't right, but if the comment they are making is just an opinion for the general population then i would suggest that they have a freedom of speech and they can speak in the matter of their wishes.
ReplyDeletewell personally i believe in free speech, but i believe it has to be reasonable. There is a certain point when someones drivel becomes ludicrous, and the idea of people trying to embellish the theory that Jews are the Devils workers, and a man as corrupt as hitler is admirable, then that expands past the line, I draw between reasonable free speech, and outrageous at least 1000 miles. So the Neo Nazi are to preposterous to be allowed to just protest whenever the they go. its just like the Westboro Baptist Church and the Ku Klux Klan who are also spreading hate towards others. Hatred of another group shouldn't be endorsed in public.
ReplyDeleteThe group has a right to free speech just like everyone else. However, I do not agree with what they are saying and I think to the majority of people that they just look ignorant.
ReplyDeleteFreedom of speech is something all americans should have. The problem comes when people like the Neo-Nazis are allowed to express their prejudice against different races. America has been struggling to stop all the prejudice and rallies like the one in West Allis brings up a lot of debate and anger. In my opinion you can't stop people from their freedom of speech but at the same time their freedom of speech is upsetting the majority of our race. So what is right? I don't believe that that starting an anti rally is going to solve the problem but it will make a lot of people satisfied. At this point you can't force the Neo-nazis to stop but you can protest against them. What I like to remember is that the Neo-Nazis are the minority in this situation so the majority, the blacks, the jews, and the gays have a lot more power in this situation, at least thats my opinion.
ReplyDelete-KARINA SONINA
I don't think it is okay for anyone to talk about race in a bad way because african americans latino, muslum ect.can't help that they are colored and the really can do nothing about it except pull a michel jackson but no matter what color what race everyone is equal!
ReplyDeleteI think that everyone should be able to voice their opinion and exercise their freedom of speech, but when it causes conflict in the community you need to have a bit of self control and know when it is getting out of hand. I think demonstrations are fine, but they should never purposefully hurt some one, neither physically or mentally. When someone has very strong views on a certain subject I think it is best to keep that to themselves or within a smaller group, and not the community.
ReplyDeleteI believe everyone has a right to freedom of speech. But I also believe that people are abusing this amendment if what is being said is directed towards a certain person or a particular group of people based off race,culture,religion etc..
ReplyDelete- Ally Marie Smith
I truly believe in Freedom of Speech but people should know what lines not to cross and face the consequences.
ReplyDeletepeople have the right to free speech but the people who started the rally was not right. Our black community are already look down upon and doing this made use look like dog's.
ReplyDeleteWith all this nonsense going on during the last couple weeks, I feel that everybody should do whatever they want because they have a right, but also I feel that they should take it to a certain extent. Also, little do they know that they are messing it up not only for the youth but also towards certain races. So make smarter choices because you represent an entire race!
ReplyDeleteI feel that people can say and do what they want to do. If
ReplyDeleteit makes other people want to fight over it its not right.
#Splash
i think that the Neo-Nazi is over exaggerating. okay i understand that their mad but forming hate groups(which are illegal) and talking down on other races is unnecessary. i think their taking advantage of their rights. i didn't attend State Fair and i don't think its fair to put all young black kids in the same category because not all contributed to the nonsense!!! what about the black kids who were at home??
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ReplyDeleteRude.....a sign of disrespect and a lack of respect. There is such thing as being rude and a freedom of speech. Many say that there is a thing known as freedom of speech but there is a way to voice your opinion without the negativity. The word rude is something that no one would ever want to define them as a characteristic. Someone identifying you as a rude person tells that someone about you, that you have no class or respect for others. Define yourself,...don't let others define you from what they see and what you reveal to them.
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