Ducking Responsibility: Freedom of Speech

There has been a lot of debate going around about comments made by Phil Robertson from Duck Dynasty.  In a recent GQ interview, he compared homosexuality to bestiality, and didn't recall civil rights being a problem when he was younger.  A&E, which airs the show, quickly fired him.

The immediate backlash contained cries for freedom of speech.  Others applauded A&E for not tolerating such offensive behaviour.  They insist this isn't about freedom of speech, but about decency.

This might sound shocking coming from a blog championing against racism and discrimination, but I feel actually, this IS a matter of freedom of speech.  But not for the reasons commonly tauted.

A lot of Phil's opinions were framed as just that: his opinions and his perspectives.  I appreciate he was being honest about them even if I don't agree with them.  I have had different life experiences than he has had, so it was insightful to get a glance into another human being and glimpse the things that make him who he is.  That part is not about right or wrong.  That part is just expression. 

But how useful would it be just to silence him? Or silence any comments that seem racist, homophobic, or any other label we slap onto what other people say?  What does it change except that our delicate ears wouldn't have to bear with the disagreeable remarks from others?  Those opinions and viewpoints are still there.  We simply learn as a society to hide them away.

(And then secretly teach our erroneous beliefs to our children and our children's children.)

Wouldn't it be better to take a public forum like GQ magazine, and challenge him?  Start a discussion or debate? Recognize what he's saying and where he comes from and then offer an alternative perspective?  That is where true freedom of speech comes from: the ability to fairly debate alternate ideas in a public space, without fear of being punished for simply having an idea that doesn't fit with the mainstream.

I don't want to live in a society where everyone is polite, inoffensive, but secretly racist.

I prefer a society where everyone discusses and challenges each other on our views and opinions so we can grow into better human beings.

Are there limits? Yes.

Hate propaganda moves from "I believe this" to "YOU should believe this".   Like graffiti on a wall, it is not presented in a way that can be debated or challenged.  It's treated like impersonal fact.  Any alternative viewpoints are immediately shot down without being considered.  I believe hate propaganda is poisonous to society.

And so is silence.

CHALLENGE TO READERS:

1. How do you normally respond when you hear something you disagree with?  Do you tell yourself that's their opinion, then not say anything? Do you dive into debate? Do you agree with them in public and save your personal views for those you feel already understand you?

2. What if the comment is racist?

3. Ever experience a moment where you felt like you didn't get the chance or were unable to express your disagreement with someone?  What were the circumstances?  Why did it feel unfair?

4. Next time someone says something offensive, pay attention to your first impulse to respond.  Did you keep quiet? Did you challenge the speaker?

5. Were you given the opportunity to dabate the idea you disagreed with? Did you take that opportunity?