The Right to Say

Freedom of speech, what is it? Does it have limits on who can have it? Does it say that only specific things are included? What would society be like today without it? I do not think freedom of speech should rule out certain places or individuals because of biases.

First of all, freedom of speech gives us the right to say what we choose. It also says we can choose when we say something and how we say something. Does freedom of speech limit the use of who can have it? No. At least for any law abiding citizen, there should be no limits. It has been said that all men are created equal. So should they not have the same rules apply to them? Should it limit it to specific articles or ideas? For example, in the film This Divided State, many people got upset because Michael Moore was going to speak at the university. Would it be different if someone else were to speak there that had different views than their own?

Next, what would today’s society be like without freedom of speech? I bet everyone could imagine what it would be like not having the right to say what you want. Would you be able to tell others how you felt, or would that cross a line? If there was no freedom of speech could you compliment someone? More importantly would there be any music? I guess that all the music would have to be without words, because all of the lyrics would get banned. Society without freedom of speech would be really messed up, in my honest opinion.

Freedom of speech should not rule out only certain places or people because of biases. Just because a person looks a certain way should not say that they cannot speak. Just because a person looks a certain way should not say that either. Maybe some people like to entertain controversy. In the film, This Divided State, people were saying how bad Michael Moore was and that he was anti- American. So what? Why should it matter what he is? Anyone should get their own opinions and because of freedom of speech he should be able to voice his own opinions. They said that Michael Moore was dishonest and in it only for the money. That was only their opinion, however. They had no proof that he was there only for that. Most people think that Michael Moore is a traitor to the country. Why? What did he do that was so bad as to be hated by all? People say you betray your religion, country, family, etc. But what is the motive? Is it because that is your own choice? That has nothing to do with freedom of speech.

Freedom of speech can be a very tricky thing. There are still limits in peoples minds. It limits people from talking because others have biases. Of course that is depending on the place and their values. But I think that society is better with freedom of speech, seeing as how crazy it would be without it. I do not think that it should rule out certain people or places because of biases. Everyone should be treated as equals. It should not matter as to the persons viewpoint. Their viewpoint is just how they see things. That does not necessarily mean that everyone has to agree. Does it?