Freedom of speech is the right to express one’s ideas and opinions without censorship, restraint, or fear of retribution. But with that freedom comes implied responsibility. You have the right to shout obscenities out the window, scream racial slurs in a crowd, or be downright nasty on social media, but why would you? Freedom of speech carries responsibility.
In the recent past, I’ve heard comedians, politicians, and news commentators say things that are so beyond the pale that I struggle to express my feelings. Their comments encourage others to mimic this disgusting behavior — even though “everybody does it” is no excuse for doing it yourself. The fact is, the level of irresponsibility that has developed in our civil discourse is off the charts. Why would these public figures go out of their way to be rude, condescending, and outright abusive? Don’t they have ethical and moral standards? They are undermining their credibility and losing the trust and respect of the rest of us. If they’re trying to win the race to the bottom…they’re doing a fine job!
As for the friends, colleagues, and bosses who give them a pass, shame on them! They may think these folks are funny or even encourage their behavior, like a drunken frat brother, but don’t they have any standards either?
I understand that freedom of speech gives gutter-mouths the right to express their views too. But most people learn, at a very young age, that it’s wrong to be rude, condescending, or outright abusive. If you are helping to stir the pot of hate and intolerance, you’re a co-conspirator — and you’re as guilty as those who commit these offenses. So ask yourself, where are your standards? Where is your sense of decency?
It’s time to raise the bar and expect more. I remember how many young lives John F. Kennedy inspired through his leadership. As a role model, ask yourself whether your actions are having a positive or negative impact on people who look up to you.
I’ll let you in on a little secret. One day, during a quiet moment, you’re going to look back on your life and ask yourself: “How did I do? Did I inspire people to do great things? Did I make a difference? Did I help make the world a better place for our children?” I hope you can answer positively. People gave their lives to protect the freedoms that we hold dear. One of the best ways to honor these heroes is to recognize that freedom of speech is a right, but it also carries responsibility. Let’s all start behaving like grownups.
Follow your conscience. Sleep well.
Do You Feel Freedom of Speech Carries Responsibility?
Please leave a comment and tell us what you think or share it with someone who can benefit from the information.
Additional Reading:
Trust Me…Trust Me Not
Moral Character Matters
Reputation: You Can’t Run from Your Shadow
50 Ways to Lose Trust and Credibility
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I have mixed feelings about this post. On the one hand I utterly agree. I too wonder how what used to be called socially acceptable behavior became socially unacceptable.
On the other hand very similar arguments are being used on college campuses to shut down debate. Heck just being a conservative or Republican qualifies as “stirring the pot of hate and intolerance.”
So while I abhor the what I so often see in the comment columns on the internet and I enforce a “no personal attacks” on my FB page right now I am more concerned about the ever increasing scope of speech that is being shut down for being “offensive “.
Your point is well-taken Augie.
If we want to encourage bold fresh ideas or solve the world’s ills, it’s vital to venture outside our comfort zone by embracing vigorous discussion and debate. In doing so it’s critical to remember that you don’t win a debate by suppressing discussion or by name-calling; you win it with a better argument.
Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Best,
Frank
Great article Frank. There will never be complete agreement by everyone in our time. I never understand the offensive language used, and degrading comments by well respected people. I can’t even watch the news anymore. It seems people want to emphasize what they want to say by being the most vulgar and offensive as they can be. They have forgotten that sans the insults and vulgarities words can be so powerful and inspiring.
Hi Janet
When people use vulgar language or insulting comments to score points they diminish their own trustworthiness, damage their own credibility, and tarnish the reputation of their organization. Furthermore, this behavior is having a serious and detrimental impact on our society. The time has come to raise the bar.
Thanks for taking the time to write 🙂
Best,
Frank
Hateful speech from any point of view is morally and ethically wrong. It fans the flames of disagreement when we need to be talking together civilly to find the common-ground solutions to our problems.
I am in a book club with people who are politically far different in their views than I am, but through civil discourse we find common ground on solutions to issues. It is refreshing to engage this way.
Great post, Frank.
Amen Bob!
You hit the nail on the head.
“Hateful speech from any point of view is morally and ethically wrong. It fans the flames of disagreement when we need to be talking together civilly to find the common-ground solutions to our problems.”
Thanks for taking the time to write.
Best,
Frank
You said it well “why would you?”
Eliminate the negativity. Be a FOUNTAIN not a DRAIN!
Hi Lucy
This language is not only negative…it’s destructive. When role models talk this way others mimic their behavior. We shouldn’t be surprised when hateful language spirals into violence.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Best,
Frank
Frank this is a great article. What has in the past be abnormal behavior is now normal. How did we allow that to take place? Comments that were once just not accepted are now accepted, we come to a point when we think it is just normal. I read a long time ago about the difference in cultural norms between the people living in oppressed nations that the ‘fight’ just went out of them so cruelty, dictatorship, fear just becomes normal and no one fights anymore. The Lucifer Effect is in full action. Where are the inspirational leaders – you mentioned JFK – yes – inspirational indeed – so were the Obama’s. Freedom of speech does carry responsibility….the concern is just where and when does the line get drawn on acceptable and NOT acceptable? It takes more than an inspirational leader to start the movement – it take all of us to say enough.
Hi Loretta —
I don’t have “the” answer, but here are some clues.
It’s important to set the right tone and to be civil and respectful of others’ views. In that light we should rid ourselves of “I’m right” so they must be wrong. (Or, we’re good so they must be evil.) In addition we should look at things from others’ perspectives, encourage “we” rather than “us versus them,” separate the issue from the person, find the merit in others’ arguments, build on mutual agreement and areas of common interest, and spend equal time understanding and persuading.The fact is, we’re all in this together 🙂
This is a slow and arduous process that requires real leadership. Remember, trust takes a long time to develop, but it can be lost in seconds
Thanks for taking the time to write.
Best,
Frank
Well said, Frank. And the comments here add a richness and nuance to the topic. I often find they make the post richer. Thanks for the reminder.
Thanks Skip. I agree about the comments. I truly appreciate it when people take the time to write.
Best,
Frank
A great read but how many will follow these inspiring values will remain a mystery.
We live in the age where the race for money and fame is more important than having decent morals.
And most of all indecent behavior has become a role model by celebrities, media and people in power. With more lack of discipline in homes and in schools along with sky high freedom to express your mind in any form of art or way is a part and parcel of today’s young generation.
“It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men”. ~ Frederick Douglass
Good point Savio
The problem is that most of these infractions don’t attract sufficient attention. Over time, however, the cumulative effect of these transgressions is significant — and the bar is lowered as a result.
I believe things will change when poor behavior is exposed for what it really is…a cancer within our society. The fact is, there must be consequences for poor behavior. We’ll know that time has arrived when sponsors abandon shows, politicians lose elections, and children get punished for their bad deeds.
The fact that we’re talking about this is probably a good sign 🙂
Thanks for taking the time to write.
Best,
Frank
So basically our responsibility is to use freedom of speech in a positive way and not in a way that hurts others or is desrespectful?
I believe you are free to say anything you’d like. But as the saying goes, “Just because you can doesn’t mean you should” When in doubt, follow your conscience. That’s why you have one 🙂
Thanks for taking the time to write.
Best,
Frank
Great post-for me the key word is responsibility. We do have to be responsible, to ourselves and our communities, for recognizing that just because we CAN do something doesn’t mean it’s the right thing to do, and that there will be consequences. We (collectively) seem to fear reminding people of the consequences of their actions. It’s complex-legal definitions of what consequences are are not always in sync with what we wish could be, and the default position is almost always to what is easiest. We have to be prepared to do what is hard, do it respectfully, and try, to the best of our ability to remember people’s dignity-even if they have forgotten it themselves.
Well said, Edie
I especially like the fact that you said, “We do have to be responsible to ourselves and our communities.” We often measure our behavior by the effect that it has on others and fail to realize that we have a responsibility to live up to the standards we set for ourselves as well.
Thanks for taking the time write.
Best,
Frank
Generally, your freedom of action cannot deny another of his. You may speak, but you can not yell in another’s ear. You may assemble, but not block the passage of others. You may comment, but not slander
I wholeheartedly agree with you, Dean. The only phrase I’d change is, “should not.” The fact is, just because you can, doesn’t mean you should 🙂
Thanks for taking the time to write.
Best,
Frank
Oliver Wendal Holmes reportedly said the right to swing you fist ends at the tip of my nose. I believe it is time to take a similar attitude toward speach. People are free to engage in libel against politicians because they are subject to different rules or court decisions than other people. Does this really serve a useful purpose or have we deluded ourselves into believing that it does.
Hi John
Freedom of speech is considered one of the most fundamental of all freedoms. It is essential in providing a vibrant democracy and allowing society to develop and progress. That isn’t always easy.
As Alan Dershowitz, said, “Freedom of speech means freedom for those who you despise, and freedom to express the most despicable views. It also means that the government cannot pick and choose which expressions to authorize and which to prevent.”
That being said, it is incumbent upon all of us to conduct ourselves with dignity and express our thoughts with civility.
Thanks for taking the time to write.
Best,
Frank