Words Cannot Harm
I originally posted this here in response to my good friend Bill Peterson’s comments. I thought it wouldn’t hurt to re-post it here.
Words can not harm, assuming they are less that 60 decibels. Actions harm. Words are just sounds that the recipient perceives. No different than music. Some sounds I like some I don’t. None of them causes me harm. That said, free speech is simply that. The responsibility of executing free speech is not what but where. I am free to say what ever I damn well please. It is not irresponsible of me to speak my mind no matter how informed, uninformed, sane or insane I may be. This issue is not so much what, but where. Put more simply, I do not cuss in the presence of my mother. She is not restricting my freedom of speech, I am choosing to respect her sensibilities. Dave Chappelle can say nigger as much as he wants. Carlos Mencia can say beaner as much as he wants. They are both on cable. You have to pay for that service and select that channel. You have to choose to listen to them. You have to buy a concert ticket to listen to the Dixie Chicks disrespect the President of the United states. You have to choose to be informed in this country. I did not listen to Imus say the word nappy. I was not his audience. I have to be careful not to be insulted by this when I read about it, because it is now completely out of context. Imus, Carlos and Dave cannot offend those who choose not to listen. Now if either of them where to take their antics into the realm of the public, then they have crossed the line. Their offensive speech falls upon ears that have not made the choice to listen. That’s why you can be fined for cussing in public. It is not an infringement to your right of free speech. People have the choice to read or not read this blog. It is a highly sacred area of free speech. Bill’s son will not hear these words, nor read these words unless Bill chooses to expose him. Speak to those who willing listen without compunction. Speak softly and with a more delicate tongue to the public.
worth re-reading
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.