Stephen Fry's view
- Thread starter Venod
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Electric_Andy
Heavy Metal Fan
- Location
- Plymouth
Agree with this in real life, but not that relevant on a forum which is run and moderated by someone else who makes the rules. Life is a right, but being on this forum is a privilege. That's the difference.
Cycleops
Legendary Member
- Location
- Accra, Ghana
Maybe the OP could give the essence of what he said.
Anything to do with - http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/stephen-fry-political-correctness-1.4662626
Profpointy
Legendary Member
Fine at one level, but on the other hand, is it really fine to say "run cyclists over - serves 'em right for not paying road tax". In the pub as a "laugh" is one thing, on national television, or in a (so called) newspaper on the other hand, not something I'd be defending on grounds of liberty.
Or incitement to beat up asians, or homosexuals - still OK for freedom of speech ?
Or unpleasant sexist or racist "banter" - is that really a legitimate freedom ?
What about the freedom of the recipient to not have to put up with a toxic environment
If the racism and sexism on here wasn't curtailed, I doubt many women or minorities would remain. To be honest not sure I'd remain either.
Merely offending someone, isn't really the point
Or incitement to beat up asians, or homosexuals - still OK for freedom of speech ?
Or unpleasant sexist or racist "banter" - is that really a legitimate freedom ?
What about the freedom of the recipient to not have to put up with a toxic environment
If the racism and sexism on here wasn't curtailed, I doubt many women or minorities would remain. To be honest not sure I'd remain either.
Merely offending someone, isn't really the point
Cycleops
Legendary Member
- Location
- Accra, Ghana
I think he's right.
swee'pea99
Legendary Member
I have never heard anyone say "I'm rather offended by that."
Not all that common then.
Not all that common then.
Drago
Legendary Member
- Location
- Suburban Poshshire
Ah, Stehen Fry, the slavering car driver with multiple court imposed convictions for speeding.
Smokin Joe
Legendary Member
- Location
- Bare headed cyclist, Smoker
Inciting someone to beat up minorities or run cyclists over is illegal and nothing to do with what is meant by free speech.
Electric_Andy
Heavy Metal Fan
- Location
- Plymouth
There was another thread about this sort of thing where someone worded it much better than me. But what I think is, and what I think Stephen Fry means is:
If there's any seriousness or intent in the words, then of course it's not right. By reporting such behaviour you are not saying "I'm offended", but you are saying "that chap sounds like he seriously wants to harm someone based on their gender, race, sexuality etc - he is a threat and should be stopped".
But if said in the correct context (humour), it's the same as a painting. One person's offensive nude woman is another person's valued piece of artwork.
Have a read of https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2018/01/15/inside-the-daily-stormers-style-guide before you decide that the distinguishing feature for allowing hate speech should be "whether you thought it was supposed to be a joke"
derrick
The Glue that binds us together.
- Location
- On the edge of London
Always thought he was a nobber, but i could be warming to him. not a lot just a little bit.
