Yes, but I think it could be a slippery slope. Hopefully not, but the possibility is there.
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Comedian jailed for offensive joke.
- Thread starter Enoch07
- Start date
Yes, but I think it could be a slippery slope. Hopefully not, but the possibility is there.
A slippery slope in what way?
In the losing our rights by our own hands way. If today we think it's ok to fire someone for saying something offensive, then tomorrow who's to say it won't be ok to jail someone for the same. Like I said, I would hope this is not the case, but I do fear it could be a slippery slope if we are not careful.
Why on Earth wouldn't it be okay to fire an employee for saying something offensive?
If an employee does something that could make the business lose customers, or make good staff quit, or make it harder to bring in new staff or customers, the employee is a risk to the company's bottom line if nothing else. Why shouldn't a business be able to respond to this situation?
You're missing the point. A business should be able to respond. But when people outside the issue, not apart of the business support/demand it. That is a sign our rights could be slowly degrading, IF, we are not vigilante.
Curious George
Veteran Member
No that is capitalism and the power of the consumer.
Businesses want to appeal to the consumer.
True, but what business is it of citizens outside the business?
Hmmmm....welp, as I said in one of my earlier posts...
I understand why the feel that way, and they're within their rights to feel that way. They're not within their rights to assault someone because of how they feel. No matter my feelings of empathy.
Yes. Absolutely they should have that right. It isn't an attack on another person. It isn't telling a lie. it is stomping on a piece of cloth.
We do not have the right to be unoffended. We have the right to combat offense with discussion.
Freedom of speech isn't limited to saying things that are unoffensive. In fact, it is precisely when someone is disagreeing with everyone else that the freedom becomes most important. Anyone attacking him physically should be tried for assault.
If you can't handle someone saying things and doing things you disagree with, you don't really support freedom of speech.
it *isn't* a slap in the face. There is no physical attack on a person. It is a piece of cloth. That's it.
They certainly have the right to be upset. They certainly have the right to be angry. But they do not have the right to assault someone. That goes double for military.
Yes. Jail time for a joke, no matter how offensive, is a violation of freedom of speech.
Curious George
Veteran Member
Whatever business they wish. It is not other peoples place to tell them otherwise. That is freedom.
Eta* Well i suppose they could tell them anything they want. But it is not other peoples place to deny them their rights.
Father Heathen
Veteran Member
Here's a question; what if a gay person punched a preacher for saying homosexuals deserve to burn in hell? To them that's a slap in the face. Would you suggest that the preacher had it coming and should known better? Would you claim to understand and empathize with the gay person's reaction? I doubt it, so what's the difference?
Context is needed.
Is the gay person a Christian?
Hard to believe a non-Christian being offended by being told they are going to hell. When they don't believe in heaven/hell.
If someone told me they'd see me in Valhalla I wouldn't be offended or complimented, because I don't believe in Valhalla.
If the gay person is a Christian. Then they know the preacher is just being hateful. Maybe they punch him, maybe they don't. I can't say I'd blame them if they did, but I would advise them against violence nontheless.
I would suggest it can be more difficult than that. Plenty of people in the West have been Christians at some point in their life, were raised by Christians, attended Christian schools, or were subject to Christian opinions and influence on laws.
For some, the threat of hell is the issue. For others it's a symptom of broader issues they've dealt with.
Not just for that reason, I think.
Agreed. In general terms I try not to let other people dictate my actions.
My opinion is that it is feigned offense/outrage in order to manipulate people. Not all of it of course, but a good bit of it for sure. All is fair in love and war. But if real change is to occur, manipulation will only stifle it.
*raises eyebrows*
Authenticity is paramount. I don't share your view that the majority of offence or outrage is feigned. Then again, I suspect our countries have some cultural differences around such things.
I would understand and empathize with the gay person's reaction. And I would still charge them with assault and battery and, if on a jury, vote to convict.