Offense! and the law

[Brickjectivity]

For your amusement and chagrin I post here a linked video that argues the importance of controlled responses to offenses and that big responses are usually unnecessary. It goes into several examples of authorities trying to defend the honor of leaders and to protect them from words and pictures. Mentions that translation of scripture has been deemed offensive. Tyndale was burned at the state for his translation.

Opens by arguing that hurt feelings do not indicate a wrong necessarily: gives 3 examples

Introduced terms:

• Second-order punishment -- the punishing of those who refuse to be offended.
• Pluralistic ignorance coined by Steven Pinker Video compares to "The Emperor's New Clothes" effect.

Sticks and stones versus words. Do bad words justify violent actions? "Your mum."



Presentation concludes: Either articulate the reasons for offense rather than simply reacting, or become a prisoner of your own reaction. You have the right to hear other opinions. Argues no one has the right not-to-feel offended.

 

[Estro Felino]

 

[A Vestigial Mote]

For your amusement and chagrin I post here a linked video that argues the importance of controlled responses to offenses and that big responses are usually unnecessary.

Great video. I think a lot of people need to come to the types of understanding and engage in the kind of examinations of ideas that the video espouses itself with. I am constantly trying to ground my kids in the idea that offensive words cannot hurt you, at all, like a punch to the face does. There is simply no comparison. You get to choose whether or not to be "hurt" by offensive words directed toward you. You do not get to choose whether or not a punch to the face hurts. And therefore, it makes no sense at all to react to an offensive word(s) with any sort of violence. And yes, I do see it as an exposition of complete and utter weakness to be the one caught doing so.

 

[A Vestigial Mote]

Deliberate spreading of misinformation should be illegal. Same with anti-semetism, racism and other hate speech.

Spreading misinformation is different from speech that is merely "offensive." The video actually covers this by saying that great care should be taken in defining well the ideas of slander, libel, and other practices that come along with a component of deceit, rather than just provocation of feeling.

 

[whirlingmerc]

I agree to some extent, but I think there is a sizeable overlap in places.

Yes, there is a large amount of in some cases and judgement involved.

I do believe in protections for children regarding addictive things like exposure to drugs, cigarettes porn....

 

[icehorse]

Deliberate spreading of misinformation should be illegal. Same with anti-semetism, racism and other hate speech.

Same question I always ask: In your opinion, who do you know who's smart enough to tell YOU what YOU cannot hear?

I've never heard of a person I'd be comfortable granting that power over me.

 

[sun rise]

I voted yes for these three but two need more explanation:

There should be a legal responsibility not to offend in some cases. -- The "some cases" to me are the "fire in a crowded theater" situations.

We are responsible for the impact of our words.

In some cases violent actions should not be depicted or described. -- We should not encourage copycats. And my "should" is not a legal "should".

 

[icehorse]

These questions do have correct answers, and leaving them unanaswered because we fear getting it wrong will lead to a similar conclusion.

Canadian government says anti-zionism is hate speech. That's not going to stop me.

I'm sorry, I don't understand, can you rephrase that? It seems like you made a logical leap maybe?

 

[Nakosis]

Deliberate spreading of misinformation should be illegal. Same with anti-semetism, racism and other hate speech.

Lies which cause harm already is illegal. I'm fine with that.

For the rest, I'd prefer to give people the freedom to express themselves. If someone hates me, I'd rather know that up front than to have them act covertly behind my back. Best to know who is against you and who is with you.