Should everyone have a right to express their own opinion?

[Bluelight-R006]

I saw this reply by a person to a comment that shared his/her experience of facing the ‘odd’ death of a close one. The person who replied thought it was quite funny—the ‘odd’ manner in which the close one of the commenter has died—that (s)he decided to fight off anyone who disagreed with him/her strongly, which obviously there were many who were quite upset.

The person who replied stated, “I have a right to express my opinion, don’t I?” This got me thinking, do we [have a right to express our opinion if it hurts others]? If we upset other people by saying something ‘extremely offensive’ to a person or a group, do we have a right to express our opinion?

I feel that if a certain statement has the potential of hurting some people deeply, then it’s better to withhold that opinion from the public rather than express it. We have the rights to hold our own opinion, and maybe even asserverate it, but not go and force it or ‘attack’ others with it. It’s probably not best if we continue to defend that statement, as we may hurt others with our ignorance.

Then again, if someone asks for people’s opinions on the matter, then they should probably get what they’re asking for—the opinions they seek to hear no matter how wrong they may be.

It’s a mixed up thinking from me, and I can’t weight it out properly, so I’d like to hear some solid opinions from the NSG community.

[Galloism]

The person who replied stated, “I have a right to express my opinion, don’t I?” This got me thinking, do we [have a right to express our opinion if it hurts others]? If we upset other people by saying something ‘extremely offensive’ to a person or a group, do we have a right to express our opinion?

I feel that if a certain statement has the potential of hurting some people deeply, then it’s better to withhold that opinion from the public rather than express it. We have the rights to hold our own opinion, and maybe even asserverate it, but not go and force it or ‘attack’ others with it. It’s probably not best if we continue to defend that statement, as we may hurt others with our ignorance.

This opinion is deeply offensive and hurts me, due to the assailment of my deeply held beliefs surrounding liberal philosophy.

[LimaUniformNovemberAlpha]

Was this online or in person? Because I think the Darwin Awards' very existence is a counterbalance to the irrational hypersensitivity people have around deaths. People have for so long been walking on eggshells around death that it's cathartic to be deliberately insensitive about it without consequence, and as a result some people wind up taking it too far. Never treat the Internet as a representative sample.

Anyway, it obviously depends on the opinion; if it's something like "[insert supposed victim here] should be killed" then it's on the borderline between expressing opinions and uttering threats. If it's something merely insensitive it should be protected; the fact that people have such an emotional reaction to it, if anything, makes it all the more important to protect it, so that those offended can make the case for whether or not their reaction is more justified than that which they're reacting to.

[Andsed]

People should have the right to express their opinion no matter how screwed up as long as they are not breaking any other laws. But that does not mean they cannot be called out on their bullshit and saying you have a right to express your opinion is not an excuse for being a dick.

[An Alan Smithee Nation]

Having a right to express your opinion and exercising it are two different things. As a rule of thumb I would suggest only upsetting other people when you have a reason to do so, not just for the sake of expressing yourself.

[The South Falls]

While it is callous, he has every right to undertake that endeavor. However, it is not by any means, an expedient maneuver for maintaining civility.

[Dumb Ideologies]

No, that's how you get Twitter.

[Bluelight-R006]

Having a right to express your opinion and exercising it are two different things. As a rule of thumb I would suggest only upsetting other people when you have a reason to do so, not just for the sake of expressing yourself.

Wanted to point this out earlier—I feel as if, that you could express yourself but not defend yourself so far, so thoroughly as to upset more along the way. A waste of time and emotion. So much so it’d be better to avoid the entire ordeal.

[Fourth Philippines]

I saw this reply by a person to a comment that shared his/her experience of facing the ‘odd’ death of a close one. The person who replied thought it was quite funny—the ‘odd’ manner in which the close one of the commenter has died—that (s)he decided to fight off anyone who disagreed with him/her strongly, which obviously there were many who were quite upset.

The person who replied stated, “I have a right to express my opinion, don’t I?” This got me thinking, do we [have a right to express our opinion if it hurts others]? If we upset other people by saying something ‘extremely offensive’ to a person or a group, do we have a right to express our opinion?

I feel that if a certain statement has the potential of hurting some people deeply, then it’s better to withhold that opinion from the public rather than express it. We have the rights to hold our own opinion, and maybe even asserverate it, but not go and force it or ‘attack’ others with it. It’s probably not best if we continue to defend that statement, as we may hurt others with our ignorance.

Then again, if someone asks for people’s opinions on the matter, then they should probably get what they’re asking for—the opinions they seek to hear no matter how wrong they may be.

It’s a mixed up thinking from me, and I can’t weight it out properly, so I’d like to hear some solid opinions from the NSG community.

Yes, we do. Fuck censorship.

[The New California Republic]

I saw this reply by a person to a comment that shared his/her experience of facing the ‘odd’ death of a close one. The person who replied thought it was quite funny—the ‘odd’ manner in which the close one of the commenter has died—that (s)he decided to fight off anyone who disagreed with him/her strongly, which obviously there were many who were quite upset.

There can be limits. If someone came into the church during the funeral and started insulting and mocking the deceased and laughing at the grief of the mourners, then I'm sure plenty of folk would say that really isn't acceptable.

[Teachian]

Everyone has the right to an opinion, and a chance to express said opinion.

Some people just seem to overvalue how important their opinion is, or think people aren’t allowed to have a negative opinion of their opinion. Which is strange, since “hey, not cool” would equally be protected by “that’s just my opinion”. But that’s just my opinion.

[Andsed]

I saw this reply by a person to a comment that shared his/her experience of facing the ‘odd’ death of a close one. The person who replied thought it was quite funny—the ‘odd’ manner in which the close one of the commenter has died—that (s)he decided to fight off anyone who disagreed with him/her strongly, which obviously there were many who were quite upset.

There can be limits. If someone came into the church during the funeral and started insulting and mocking the deceased and laughing at the grief of the mourners, then I'm sure plenty of folk would say that really isn't acceptable.

Also that would probably fall under making a public disturbance with I believe (I am in no way a lawyer so please correct me if I am wrong) is a criminal offense and thus police would probably get involved.

[Galloism]

There can be limits. If someone came into the church during the funeral and started insulting and mocking the deceased and laughing at the grief of the mourners, then I'm sure plenty of folk would say that really isn't acceptable.

Also that would probably fall under making a public disturbance with I believe (I am in no way a lawyer so please correct me if I am wrong) is a criminal offense and thus police would probably get involved.

More likely since a church is private property, the duly empowered representative of the church would revoke your invitation - meaning you could leave or be arrested for trespassing.

[The British American Colonies]

I believe everyone, no matter how offensive their opinion may be, should be able to state their opinion. Period. Yes, even holocaust deniers, anti semites. That doesn’t mean I agree with them, not in the slightest, I just believe in free speech.

[The Sherpa Empire]

Having a right to express your opinion and exercising it are two different things. As a rule of thumb I would suggest only upsetting other people when you have a reason to do so, not just for the sake of expressing yourself.

^This.

Just because you have a right to do something doesn't mean it's not rude.

[Republican President Donald J Trump USA]

Should everyone have a right to express their own opinion ?

While many say bad things on NS and the Mods thank them for reporting it and they punish them, I will never take a fellow nation before the Mod Gods and our Almighty Goddess Violet for any reasons even if it is a negative statement against me.

Without mentioning names, How dare I try to get a fellow nation's General or RP thread locked, it feels spammy, it feels bloggy, as it has happed to me a few times, then after they lost the case they had the nerve to come on my thread they did not like and try to get locked for whatever reasons and post their views, lol that was a classic but I hold no grudges.

How dare I tell a fellow nation what to post, what not to post and how to post it especially on their own threads, like was done to me, on my anti Cuban government thread for obvious reasons my pet issue on NS, a few fellow nations demanded I change my posts and links, when I politely refused they posted back we fixed your post for you and now it is correct, and reported me as the bad guy for anything they could think of, used the F word against me and all Cubans, lol that was a classic, they are still on NS the last time I checked but I hold no grudges.

It makes me sick to see us reporting each other for anything we can think of, especially when the Mods say to them, not actionable, I don't see anything actionable, and many of them have very dirty records.

I respect everyone's right to their views and their rights to post them, I for one will never take a fellow nation before the Mod Gods and our Almighty Goddess Violet for any reasons, even if it is a negative statement against me, it is on my sigs.

I have a clean record that I am very proud of and wish to keep clean.

[The New California Republic]

Should everyone have a right to express their own opinion ?

While many say bad things on NS and the Mods thank them for reporting it and they punish them, I will never take a fellow nation before the Mod Gods and our Almighty Goddess Violet for any reasons even if it is a negative statement against me.

Without mentioning names, How dare I try to get a fellow nation's General or RP thread locked, it feels spammy, it feels bloggy, as it has happed to me a few times, then after they lost the case they had the nerve to come on my thread they did not like and try to get locked for whatever reasons and post their views, lol that was a classic but I hold no grudges.

How dare I tell a fellow nation what to post, what not to post and how to post it especially on their own threads, like was done to me, on my anti Cuban government thread for obvious reasons my pet issue on NS, a few fellow nations demanded I change my posts and links, when I politely refused they posted back we fixed your post for you and now it is correct, and reported me as the bad guy for anything they could think of, lol that was a classic, they are still on NS the last time I checked but I hold no grudges.

It makes me sick to see us reporting each other for anything we can think of, especially when the Mods say to them, not actionable, I don't see anything actionable, and many of them have very dirty records.

I respect everyone's right to their views and their rights to post them, I for one will never take a fellow nation before the Mod Gods and our Almighty Goddess Violet for any reasons, even if it is a negative statement against me, it is on my sigs.

I have a clean record that I am very proud of and wish to keep clean.

https://www.nationstates.net/page=faq#etiquette

[Antityranicals]

Without a doubt, and with no exception, everyone should have a right to express their own opinion, no matter how evil, and also, without a doubt and with no exception, everyone should have a right to call out and denounce anyone's opinion. People do not have rights to "unhurt feelings", or "safe spaces", unless they want to buy their own soundproof room, and go sit alone in it.

[Pacomia]

Everyone has the right to express their opinion, but less so to carry it out.

Example: If you believe we should kill all the Jews, you have the right to express that opinion. You don’t have the right to kill Jews.

[Republican President Donald J Trump USA]

Should everyone have a right to express their own opinion ?

While many say bad things on NS and the Mods thank them for reporting it and they punish them, I will never take a fellow nation before the Mod Gods and our Almighty Goddess Violet for any reasons even if it is a negative statement against me.

Without mentioning names, How dare I try to get a fellow nation's General or RP thread locked, it feels spammy, it feels bloggy, as it has happed to me a few times, then after they lost the case they had the nerve to come on my thread they did not like and try to get locked for whatever reasons and post their views, lol that was a classic but I hold no grudges.

How dare I tell a fellow nation what to post, what not to post and how to post it especially on their own threads, like was done to me, on my anti Cuban government thread for obvious reasons my pet issue on NS, a few fellow nations demanded I change my posts and links, when I politely refused they posted back we fixed your post for you and now it is correct, and reported me as the bad guy for anything they could think of, lol that was a classic, they are still on NS the last time I checked but I hold no grudges.

It makes me sick to see us reporting each other for anything we can think of, especially when the Mods say to them, not actionable, I don't see anything actionable, and many of them have very dirty records.

I respect everyone's right to their views and their rights to post them, I for one will never take a fellow nation before the Mod Gods and our Almighty Goddess Violet for any reasons, even if it is a negative statement against me, it is on my sigs.

I have a clean record that I am very proud of and wish to keep clean.

https://www.nationstates.net/page=faq#etiquette

To the New California Republic, Thank you for the Link, I know the rules, that is not my point as my post clearly states.

[Rost Dreadnorramus]

I saw this reply by a person to a comment that shared his/her experience of facing the ‘odd’ death of a close one. The person who replied thought it was quite funny—the ‘odd’ manner in which the close one of the commenter has died—that (s)he decided to fight off anyone who disagreed with him/her strongly, which obviously there were many who were quite upset.

The person who replied stated, “I have a right to express my opinion, don’t I?” This got me thinking, do we [have a right to express our opinion if it hurts others]? If we upset other people by saying something ‘extremely offensive’ to a person or a group, do we have a right to express our opinion?

I feel that if a certain statement has the potential of hurting some people deeply, then it’s better to withhold that opinion from the public rather than express it. We have the rights to hold our own opinion, and maybe even asserverate it, but not go and force it or ‘attack’ others with it. It’s probably not best if we continue to defend that statement, as we may hurt others with our ignorance.

Then again, if someone asks for people’s opinions on the matter, then they should probably get what they’re asking for—the opinions they seek to hear no matter how wrong they may be.

It’s a mixed up thinking from me, and I can’t weight it out properly, so I’d like to hear some solid opinions from the NSG community.

Based off the title, yes.

[Vivolkha]

Quoting from this article: https://freedomhouse.org/blog/terrorism ... sion-spain

The fact that something may be offensive should not be used as an excuse to ban it, as the most powerful elements of the state and society typically decide what constitutes offensive speech under such laws, and repressive regimes around the world have abused this power to silence their critics, persecute vulnerable minorities, and maintain their own positions. If any group can block speech they disagree with, democratic debate and diversity of thought become impossible.

"Safe spaces", "hate speech" laws and so on make no sense and are a threat to freedom of speech and to quality democracy.

[Antityranicals]

Quoting from this article: https://freedomhouse.org/blog/terrorism ... sion-spain

The fact that something may be offensive should not be used as an excuse to ban it, as the most powerful elements of the state and society typically decide what constitutes offensive speech under such laws, and repressive regimes around the world have abused this power to silence their critics, persecute vulnerable minorities, and maintain their own positions. If any group can block speech they disagree with, democratic debate and diversity of thought become impossible.

"Safe spaces", "hate speech" laws and so on make no sense and are a threat to freedom of speech and to quality democracy.

I agree. Eventually "hate speech" will always be defined as "whatever authority disagrees with".

[Ginicun]

Is that even a question? Yes, everybody should have a right to express their own opinion.

[Valentine Z]

I personally believe that the freedom of expression should be there, but like others have said, it's not a surprise if something you said have offended someone somewhere in the future.

With that said, most of the opinions can also be said without the negative connotations, or sounding outright rude. Like, "exterminating a X race" is something that can't be spin in any way to make it inoffensive, but there's a difference between "You're a dumbass for thinking that way" versus "I personally disagree with your views...." Always be nice to whoever you are talking to, even if it is easier said than done at times.