In the risk of having some major controversy going on in my blog, (well I’m sure that won’t really happen) I am gonna talk about something I heard today that disturbs me.
Free speech is certainly a precious commodity, that needs to be protected. Protected from government trampling on, and taking away that freedom. If the government ever decides to make any specific speech illegal, that is something that needs to be fought against, no matter how controversial it may be. If some speech needs to be made Illegal, I would question why that speech is being made illegal. Is it something that is not really true, but they are trying to ensure people don’t question it to much? Is it the government trying to change public perception of an issue? I don’t know why they would make speech illegal, but there is certainly something controversial in making any speech illegal, maybe even conspiratorial.
So here is my controversial statement, I don’t think it’s controversial but some might. Do not think I doubt the holocaust, I just wonder why on earth counties in Europe have made it illegal to doubt the holocaust. It is illegal to deny it, or minimize it. That seems weird to me, that they would limit this free speech issue, on something that actually happened.
Second, states like South Carolina are trying to pass laws that make it illegal on state college grounds to speak ill of Israel. This is clearly a free speech issue that is wrong. What’s this fascination with Jews and Israel? If you discuss the holocaust in Europe, or if you speak negatively of Israel in South Carolina you can go to jail? I just don’t get it. It might make for a good conspiracy theory.
I live in germany were its illegal to deny or doubt the holocaust. I absolutely agree with you that it's a ridiculous infringements on free speech. If you say something stupid - like the holocaust didn't happen - you should have the right to be made fun of for your stupidity but it shouldn't get you arrested.
Katerwurst, that is exactly what I was thinking! You don’t have to make denial of the earth being round illegal, people will just laugh at you and call you crazy if you go around saying the earth is flat. I just wonder what is behind it in European countries to make denying a fact illegal. The next step may not have happened yet, but what could be the next step? The government making some other speech illegal, like criticism of government officials?
It certainly opens a road in that direction. But censorship is common practice already. Just look at Twitter or Facebook, you can basically get anything removed by claiming it is hatespeech or it offends you. god damn it, there is no right to be not offended by something.
People are actually being sent to jail for denying the holocaust. older article
It is just disgusting
Say you what you want, either the Jews are masterminds controlling the world from Antarctica, or they really are God's chosen people.
Maybe both!
let the angry comments begin
I find that people's investment in the freedom of speech thing goes right up until the point where it reaches a topic that directly affects them personally. Then, all of a sudden, they become incredibly invested in what can and cannot be said.
I also find it is used as a device for certain people to push shitty agendas without opposition. As soon as they become challenged about their views, then up comes the freedom of speech shield. It is really effective, as you can usually instantly find an audience of people who will fight your corner despite the damage you doing.
The current governments are doing exactly the same as the things the nazi's or communists did. It's only slightly different as to not reveal the similarities.
What is the difference between burning books, and forbidding books. Nothing. But if you resisted it then or if you resist it now, makes no different for the outcome which is, order followers coming at your door..... the rest may be clear what happens if you keep resisting.