How many of you are old enough to remember when people actually did not lose their jobs for speaking their mind?
It may be argued that we should be able to be live in a climate free of hate and harassment. I would argue that we should be able to live in an environment free from the constant fear that a slip of the tongue will cost us dearly, perhaps even end our careers.
Some might argue that most people were offended by Toronto Blue Jays’ shortstop Yunel Escobar’s comment in eye black. I would reply, how do you know? How do you know that a significant portion of the people who say they are offended by Escobar do not fall into one these two groups:
A) people who enjoy exercising their self-righteousness, are pushing an agenda or like experiencing the thrill that comes with being a petty tyrant; or
B) people who are intimidated by group A.
Some might say that what Escobar did was stupid and that it was therefore well within the rights of the Toronto Blue Jays to punish him because he represents their organization but besmirched their name. I would counter that, yeah, while it was a stupid thing to do, it wasn’t that stupid; and that by listening to PC bullies and escalating this trivial matter out of all proportion, the Toronto Blue Jays made themselves look like hysterical PC prudes, besmirching themselves much more than Escobar ever did.
Some might even argue that by donating a portion of Escobar’s three day salary that he won’t earn to the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD), the Toronto Blue Gays are only encouraging this gang of self-appointed PC enforcers to behave more oppressively in the future.
If you said that, I would argue that you are correct.
The gays have a flag that represents them and I a heterosexual don't have one to represent me. Where is the fairness in that?
Why do the gays have a flag to represent them so you are gay big deal.
If I stood on a street corner with a bunch of people ready to cross the road none of us in that bunch willknow whether or not the next guy is gay.
Posted by: Jen | September 19, 2012 at 12:55 PM
These prohibitionists of free speech are no different than the Islamists seeking to do the same thing in the West. This is a very dangerous slope and those who believe in our fundamental right to free speech need to fight back. I have no right to demand that no one ever utter anything I find offensive, but I do have the right to either ignore it or to dispute it.
Posted by: Alain | September 19, 2012 at 01:16 PM