Apparently the words of Steven Fry are not acceptable anymore, hopefully, just because there was an F-Bomb in there.
Leaving aside the specific issue discussed on here, what are peoples thoughts on this statement?
This is what I've been plugging away at with my comments about where the line gets drawn, who decides, and why.
The more I think about that, the more problematic it gets.
I don't like the comments like the one KH made, and the one Leggy made about driving later, but if I really think it through, logically, I can't see how I can stand here and say that they aren't allowed to say those things. I can't justify it, even though I think the comments were abhorrent. Because otherwise, I've got to look at everything, and decide on a boundary. And that's basically impossible.
It's telling that Gervais also mentioned that he's spent his career rubbishing religion, telling everyone it's a total crock, but that if anyone was to try and silence any religious person and stop them airing their views, he would rail against that, and would support them.
Freedom of speech is an interesting chat. My personal view is people should be allowed to say anything they like. However, freedom of speech doesn't mean freedom from the consequences of what you say. If you say something that could be perceived as racist/controversial/offensive, the concept of the right of freedom of speech doesn't give you the right to be upset if people look down on you because of it, or exercise their right to freedom of speech to confront you verbally about it.
I think the only exception to this is if you respond to what someone says with violence, because that's literally restricting someones freedom of speech.
Also in terms of mods removing posts etc. I don't think the whole 'freedom of speech' things put you above community rules and moderators.
