The populist authoritarianism that is the downside of political correctness means that anyone, sometimes it seems like everyone, can proclaim their grief and have it acknowledged. The victim culture, every sufferer grasping for their own Holocaust, ensures that anyone who feels offended can call for moderation, for dilution, and in the end, as is all too often the case, for censorship. And censorship, that by-product of fear – stemming as it does not from some positive agenda, but from the desire to escape our own terrors and superstitions by imposing them on others – must surely be resisted. ~Jonathon Green, “Did You Say ‘Offensive?’,” as posted on wordwizard.com

The *physical* rebuttals are what should be avoided, and *that’s* where personal responsibility comes into play.

Hi Vered,
Great way to put it. Shutting people up or down is not part of Truth, Justice, and the American Way.

Hi Hilary,
Nanny society and giving decisions-making to others is become to common-place for my comfort!

Hi Zaelyna,
There is the “fighting words” argument, but if someone is disagreeing about politics, I don’t think it applies. It galls me that if I disagree with a politician’s foolish fiscal policies, I can be labeled as one who hates and thus should be shut down.

People need to understand that our opinions are different to ensure our survival. Respect each other and move on.

-steps down from the psychological soapbox- ;D

Going back to my journalism class, when we discussed free speech, we agreed as a class that Person A has the right to talk about whatever/whenever/wherever, but he also has to take responsibility for the consequences of that free speech. If what Person A says makes Person B angry enough to incite a physical conflict, A owns that consequence.

BUT at the same time, B must take *equal* responsibility. B has a right to dislike what Person A says as much as A has to say it, but B also has the freedom to walk away and ignore it. Freedom, tolerance, respect.

I just thank my lucky stars that I am not controlled by others, and have enough gumph to deal with things and to look after myself ..

Unfortunately we have a nanny society .. and we’re all being brought down levels – heaven knows where it’s going to lead to .. and those who make decisions are not always doing the best thing for us anyway & need to be queried, but people from the other side of the argument – but who can argue and know the aspects of the subject …

Thanks for the points – it’s good to be reminded .. have a good weekend Hilary

This is a great piece. I love reading and debating things like this. My minor in college was sociology and that has remained a quiet passion of mine.

Many times, I’ve seen people fall into their fear because, through their own apathy and indifference, they’ve allowed things to grow more than they should have. By not caring much about something, they turn a blind eye to it and allow it to snowball until it gets out of hand. I also believe someone’s fear comes from their inability to defend their own opinions, rights and person.

Simply caring about things and standing up for you own opinions, rights and self can, many times, stop these things before they ever gain traction. We should also do the same for our loved ones which creates a network of caring and protection.

Another great piece, Lori. Keep at it.

Michael

I believe in the past this was true: “a well-thought-through overarching dedication to individual liberty,” but I’m wondering if people are losing touch with this.

I agree we need to find what unites us instead of focusing on what divides us, but until the redneck, blue-collar-snob and the intellectual, highbrow snob find common ground (and every cultural division in-between), how can anyone expect this country to stop the divisive vitriol?