You have the right to speak your mind, and so do others. Looking beyond the great Kingdom of Unixploria, the problem is that a minority in the Western world seem to think that they’re not allowed to speak their minds without being silenced by an elite.
I would like to know what those people cannot say. I follow International media, and I’m the first to agree about the fact that some issues have been labeled as inappropriate by mainstream media. Criticizing migration, feminism, and religious minorities are a few of those taboos. However, these taboos are there for a reason; they’re part of what the ruling majority holds to be true, thus wanting us all to espouse these views.
I still criticize all three of them, and to this date, I’ve not been silenced by anyone. Maybe it’s just because we live in a nation where true freedom of expression and freedom of press reign, but I’ve never been censored abroad either. The political leaders and media may not agree, but neither do I agree about everything the media or politicians are telling me.
We have no law preventing anyone from criticizing migration policies, feminists or religious communities, as long as we do not offend others. The pressure to fall in line is pretty hard, though. It is not easy being targeted as racist, chauvinist and conservative Christian, even though I enjoy being called the latter.
In my opinion, a working democracy respects every man’s right to say what he or she believes to be the truth. Freedom of expression does not, however, mean that you can state blatant lies about other people, nor does it give you the right to use derogatory vocabulary. Within reason, you are free to express your views freely, or at least you should be able to do so.
I hate political correctness as much as the next guy, but if you are a victim of it, you must also be able to tell others exactly what the political elite is preventing you from saying. I want to be able to think for myself, but I hate lies and prejudice even more.
It is time for all men and women regardless of color, creed or sexual orientation to end this useless media fight. We need to stand united behind our democratic ideas which give everyone the chance to have their say as long as we keep it civil. Those who cannot stand behind this simple idea do not deserve my respect.
(And do not tell me to stop reading, watching or listening to the established, professional media. We do not always see eye to eye on matters, but that is, after all, the whole point of democracy, having the right to think for yourself. Besides, you are always free to write your articles, books or make your podcasts.)