I will be the first to say that I have accused our campus as being apathetic. I am now sure that there has never been a day, since I began attending 2 years ago, that I was more proud than the day we held the first “Freedom of Speech Wall” and I witnessed the outpouring of energy and commitment from my fellow students. The following are only from the first question with subsequent Q&A to follow. Please read, enjoy and comment. We should all be proud of our selves for having the courage to exercise our Constitutional right to “Free Speech”!
Kristi Bartholomew
“Has there ever been a time when someone else’s speech made you uncomfortable? Do you believe, nevertheless, that they had the right to say it?
This is what you had to say:
“Of course, it happens every day. I could not imagine a world without uncomfortable opinions because without such experiences, I would never know how others think; therefore, I would never evolve as a person.” “Today is the five year anniversary of the beginning of the war in Iraq. Think about how unusual in the world it is to have some of us vocally support the war, some of us distressed by the war and be able to say so and everything allowed in between…Even Apathy….We need to put a high value on what we just automatically accept as our right.” “Speech in regard to the war in Iraq can make me cringe!…especially when I believe lies are being told. But…I listen…trying to keep an open mind… then make up my own mind. It is important in our democracy to honor, keep, and protect our right to Freedom of Speech.” “Everyone has the right to speak even if the truth hurts like a dagger in the heart. Once they start saying truth, things start getting different.” “Every one has the right to speak, even if it hurts. Mot every one needs to listen and those who speak must be willing to let those who think differently freely speak as well.” “Everyone has the right to free speech, no matter what it is that they say, or the message behind it. However, it is important to take into consideration other people’s feelings.” “Yes and yes, everyone has the right to say what is on their mind.” “Of course dissenting opinions cause discomfort-however-it is essential to have the right to speak. People use shock tactics to make their voice louder-but that doesn’t necessarily mean it is more correct. Without causing undue harm to unwilling listeners everyone has the right to free speech.” “Yes, I grew up in a predominantly white community with very racial tendencies. As a white male, I was ashamed that these views were still held today. I’m glad people can voice their opinions so that the issues can be addressed.” “Yes, there have been times someone else says something that makes me uncomfortable. Nevertheless, it is their right!” “It is time to come together as Americans!”“I think so too!!” “There are times when all of us are offended by comments from another person. Technically, sure, people have the right to day what ever they like… but only to the point where speech becomes a threat to the rights of others. Is the right to speak freely more important than the right to be discriminated against? No.” “Making fun of one’s religion leads to an uncomfortable and unwelcoming environment. This occurred at a get-to-gether I attended last summer. Although her remarks were uncalled for and formed an awkward situation—she had the right to day it.”“Yes-there has been times when I have been offended by what others have said. But whether or not I agree with them we have the right to free speech and opinions.” “If somebody’s speech made you feel uncomfortable, yes indeed it should be addressed. Holding in “inner feelings” makes the problem worst. Some things mentioned in speeches cause people to respond and interact.” “Yes. There have been times when I felt uncomfortable from someone else’s speech. But, nevertheless, everyone has the right to freedom of speech, and everyone is entitled to their own opinion.” “Yes, there has been a time, as I believe everyone has had one. In most cases they had the right to say that, and all I could do is bite my tongue.” “Yes, there have been plenty of times when I was uncomfortable with the speeches of others. However, although we do have freedom of speech, I believe it is up to the “intaker” of the speech to keep a strong mind no matter the speech given.—Shavonne D.B. – Miranda.” “Sometimes the vehemence of someone’s speech makes me concerned that it is really designed to incite dangerous acts.” “Free speech is very important, but we should respect the rights of others.” “Yes, there have been a lot of times when people have spoken about something that I was uncomfortable with or I disagreed with. Nevertheless, I believe they were able to voice their own opinion.” “Of course, there are many times what others say that has made me uncomfortable. But the type of person I am, I just brush it off. I’m 22 now, and I can remember way back in the 4th grade when a white girl told me she wished blacks would just “Go back to slavery.” Even at such a young age, I can remember believing that she couldn’t have thought that on her own; adult influences. People can be just that ignorant. I called it a learned prejudice! LOL—Shannen Hawkins” “There has been many times when someone else talks or made comments that was not right. But they have the right to say it. They should just consider others.-Denise.” “I have felt uncomfortable after someone said something, But I knew that the person didn’t say it to purposely to harm me. It’s not what you say but rather how you say it.”-Shebra Moore. “Yes, However, I have learned to agree to disagree. Information is progressive and despite personal feelings/perspectives you do learn!”-T. Day “This is the year to elect the President of the United States; therefore, many speeches are being made. It is very uncomfortable to hear Clergy lash out on racial issues and set precedents. Free Speech should always be given, but if you are an influential person you have to be careful of what you say and when!” “Yes, everyone has the right to say what they want, long as they grant me the same!” – M. Peters “Free speech is very important, but we should respect the rights of others.” “Yes, there have been lots of times when I felt uncomfortable, but I had to try to look at it from their perspective. Sometimes I changed my mind, but not always. I think you have a right to say anything, but you also have the responsibility to be courteous and respectful of others beliefs and feelings.” “I think everyone has the right to say what they feel needs to be said…maturity comes in when we an stick around and through the rebuttal!” “Yes, their speech made ne very uncomfortable because I come from a conservative Christian family and they were from Islam. That day changed my life forever, because I realized I had everything all wrong. They had every right.” “I have heard many speeches that made me feel uncomfortable, but it was the person’s right to say it. However, I feel that one should only speak out if they are willing to hear something equally offensive come back at them with out getting angry!” “Who hasn’t been offended on occasion by someone’s speech? That’s the price of living as a free citizen in a free country. Trying to censor speech or writing because it makes someone “uncomfortable” is unworthy of a free people. Sadly, many have become sensitive to the point of intolerance of dissenting views. People need to develop thicker skins.”—Paul Streby “Yes, there have been times when certain people have said things regarding my race that have made me uncomfortable. They did have the right to, because of freedom of speech, but I feel as though they should of respected me enough not to say it!!!” “Whether one agrees or not—people can say whatever they want.” “Yes, they had the right to say what they said. Everyone has a right to speak what they feel. If it was offensive to someone it is nor really that person who was at fault, it was uncomfortable to you…” “Many a time! But it helped to understand how others felt about certain issues and understanding that leads me to believe that conflicts can be resolved. Dialogue and discussion are key to information.” ‘Yes, I have been uncomfortable- but I do believe that they have the right to say it. I think those who are more open-minded and understanding should stand-up and speak out more so that hate speech is ultimately drowned our and proven wrong.” “There are several times when someone else’s speech has made me feel uncomfortable, but I believe they had the right to say what they said because in this country we have freedom of speech.” “Yes, and because I want my opinion out there and everyone should have that RIGHT.” “Anyone can claim free speech, but people should respect each others.” “I was uncomfortable when a student wrote a derogatory article in the M-Times, directing hate at Muslims and slandering them. It should not have been published.” “Yes, hate speech regarding my ethnicity and religion. No, they shouldn’t have said that because there is something called respect and acceptance.” “Yes…especially when hate speech is involved, regardless of who is spewing it!” “Yes, We speech too much about racism! It’s ridiculous.” “As an international student it is hard for me to understand racist attitudes. I believe that in this time of human evolution this movement shouldn’t exist! And yes, it made me feel uncomfortable and unhappy. This is supposed to be the land of the freedom, but every person has different Future! It is good to know that there are also good people. Gracias!” “Yes. It is their right, their freedom of speech to say what they want just have some respect or concern for other peoples feelings.” “There are often times others speech makes me uncomfortable yet I believe everyone is entitled to voice their opinion. However, I feel they should do so in a respectful manner.” “Absolutely! I’m Glad they have the right to say it, just like I have the right to disagree with them.” –Sara McDonnell “Yes, I believe that people should have “freedom of speech.” However, in order to truly have a freedom you must be willing to forego that freedom.”—Margo Kincaid “Everyone has a right to free speech. In fact, it is one of the main things this country was founded upon. However, everyone has a right to equality and individuality. I was hurt by the biases behind the “Affirmative Action Bake Sale” because I felt the argument the organization was ignorant, incorrect, and hurtful to others. Speak Freely, but do not harm others in the process.”– Jessica Anthony “There have been many instances in classes that I have been very uncomfortable and offended by other people’s comments. However, I believe that it is essential to education. They most definitely have the right to say it. Free speech is free speech, regardless of whether or not you are going to offend someone. You always will!” “Yes, you can always give an argument to counter it” “I do remember a time. But the mere fact of the delivery showed that the person was ignorant. Consequently, the person really flet stupid when I just smiled and walked away. A smile always casts out evil.”—Matty “Yes, all the time in certain classes, teachers say things about the African American race that they don’t know about. It makes me feel uncomfortable, but I always make sure I correct them.”—Drew Scott “Yes, while it was offensive to me it was their right as citizens of the USA to speak freely their thoughts. I did not agree, I was highly offended, but that’s life and I sued my right to free speech to say what I felt as well.” B. Muse “Yes, but it’s just because Nick Dean is a bastard!…really, everyone is entitled to freedom of speech, but to an extent.” “I approve this comment-Nick Dean. Also, don’t believe everything you hear.”-ND “No, but if it did happen to me I then they would have had the right because it is their opinion to talk about it.”—Franklin “Of course people say things that I may not agree with at all that make me uncomfortable, but I’m sure the cane can be said of me as well and I love the fact that I can express my thoughts and beliefs.”—Tim “No, but there have been times when I’ve offended others with my atheistic preaching’s. GOD BLESS AMERICA!” “Absolutely!! The only way we can overcome destructive, alienating beliefs, behaviors, and actions towards each other is to be able to speak truth, especially uncomfortable truth. Speaking behind closed doors or saying what we are “supposed” to say while believing something else only fuels anger and hatred, but never addresses it. We must all say what is in our hearts openly and truthfully even if it speaks against prevailing sentiments.” Brian Welch “Yes, but regardless they had every right to say it.” Alex “I believe that people have taken freedom of speech to a whole new level. Antitacution is an abomination to our society because it is stereotyping a group of people. People should be more sensitive to people’s backgrounds and culture.”—Lielte “I believe that free speech is what helps people understand others.”—M “Free speech in newspapers usually makes me uncomfortable because they associate terrible things with Islam. It makes people think I am a part of it. They still have a right to say it. I just hope they are more considerate.” “I believe in the right to free speech; however they must be respectful, to the other party. Mo attacking statement should be made.” “When people’s belief or views that they speak about are selfish, hateful, or simply contradicting to my own beliefs, I feel the need to defend myself and others. Everyone has freedom to speak so long as they have a mouth really.” “Now in these days, no jobs, economy is going down, so please help us to survive.” “I think we all have. But the world we live in is full of uncomfortable moments and situations…and it will continue to be. We all deserve to have the freedom of speech… because our speech defines us.” “I think now a days US economy is demolish so youth of people aware that things are dangerous for future. P/z evacuate the youth from home and be sincere related to job opportunity.” “At my high school graduation, our guest speaker had said some very racist comments that offended me. He didn’t realize that not all of the graduating was black. I feel that he had the right to his opinion, but it was not appropriate for him to say what he said.” “Sometimes. Depends on the topic in hand—if it concerns people and they get a positive response they like it, but if not… well u know!!!” “Of course, a lot of the time when our beliefs don’t coincide with other beliefs we feel uncomfortable. Even so we still have a right to say those things, but I believe we need to say those things in love so as not to purposefully hurt anyone.” “Swearing makes me highly uncomfortable. The tongue is powerful and should be used w/care even if it’s our right.” “On far more than one occasion. We were forced to listen to a political party speech in a class yesterday and I felt very much in the minority. I feel that people should have freedom of speech. I also feel that people should have the freedom to leave when tension occurs, something I did not have.” “Occasionally, Yes. I definitely am down with the free speech. LOL!!!one!!! But I’m not down with the unnecessary put-downs people throw around. When people tell me I am not the Hottness!!!one !1!!!, I can deal, but discrimination and bigotry and the like, I’m completely against!”
