College Campuses - A War on Free-Speech and Diversity of Opinion?

**Goofle** · 05-08-2016, 05:14 AM

I could have used a few other examples for this, and they aren't hard to find. But the above basically shows students (and presumably faculty) protesting Ben Shapiro's talk at CSULA, which eventually went ahead after he had to sneak in through the back door. And then continued to talk through a fire alarm.

So what are people's thoughts on the growing trend of public speakers from a dissenting side of an argument being shut down and protested aggressively on college campuses?

Ol’ Qwerty Bastard · 05-08-2016, 05:30 AM

I don't know much about the guy, and can't watch the video because I'm currently on mobile with no wifi, but from a quick read of his Wikipedia page (not necessarily a good way to judge character, I know) he seems like a decent guy who just has a different perspective than what's popular. I'll never understand why people are so quick to stand by the right of Freedom of Speech, but then get bent out of shape and offended when someone says something they disagree with. Every one loves to voice their opinion, but when it turns into a discussion or a debate, suddenly they want you to quiet down and keep to yourself. I say let the guy speak, while I definitely disagree with him on a lot of the key beliefs I saw mentioned on his Wikipedia article, I would be interested on hearing someone with very different ideologies than myself, speak.

**Janszoon** · 05-08-2016, 05:46 AM

I'm not sure of the scope of what you're looking for here but the situation in that video isn't a free speech issue—there's nothing in the US constition that entitles everybody to a microphone, a stage, and a speaking fee. That said, I'm not in favor of shouting people down either.

djchameleon · 05-08-2016, 05:48 AM

People need to learn what Free Speech actually means before tossing it around so flippantly.

Free Speech only applies to being able to say what you want about the government in a public space without being arrested for it.

There are a few limitations on Freedom of Speech in general, you can't say things that will incite a riot, hate speech, bomb threats, etc.

This isn't just about disagreeing with someone's opinion.

In short **** Ben and everything he stands for. I don't care to hear anymore of his opinions. Sure, he can have them but that doesn't mean I have to put up with/listen to them.

Love the title of this thread btw, it reads like a Fox News headline.

Ol’ Qwerty Bastard · 05-08-2016, 06:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djchameleon

People need to learn what Free Speech actually means before tossing it around so flippantly.

Free Speech only applies to being able to say what you want about the government in a public space without being arrested for it.

This isn't just about disagreeing with someone's opinion.

This just reminded me of a picture I saw this morning while scrolling through my Facebook timeline. A picture of Caitlyn Jenner with the caption that claimed she had announced her support for Donald Trump, and that because of it, the page that posted the picture and those who shared it, were stating she was "no longer welcome on this world."

Regardless of if there's any truth behind the support for Trump or not,
I'm not really bothered to look into, but what bugs me is that people would state someone isn't welcome on this world just for having a difference of political views. Why do people hate Trump? Because he makes himself look like a racist, hateful clown most of the time. With that being said, how can people justify being just as hateful towards him? He's free to spread his message just as is anyone else, and in a case like that, it is about just disagreeing with someone's opinions.

**Janszoon** · 05-08-2016, 06:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Qwertyy

Regardless of if there's any truth behind the support for Trump or not,
I'm not really bothered to look into, but what bugs me is that people would state someone isn't welcome on this world just for having a difference of political views. Why do people hate Trump? Because he makes himself look like a racist, hateful clown most of the time. With that being said, how can people justify being just as hateful towards him? He's free to spread his message just as is anyone else, and in a case like that, it is about just disagreeing with someone's opinions.

Yes, he's free to spread his message, and other people are allowed to respond to his message. I don't see the issue.

Ol’ Qwerty Bastard · 05-08-2016, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Janszoon

Yes, he's free to spread his message, and other people are allowed to respond to his message. I don't see the issue.

The issue is it's rather hypocritical isn't it? They hate Donald Trump for being racist and generalizing races, religions, etc. and then in turn they blindly hate Trump supporters.

**Janszoon** · 05-08-2016, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Qwertyy

The issue is it's rather hypocritical isn't it? They hate Donald Trump for being racist and generalizing races, religions, etc. and then in turn they blindly hate Trump supporters.

I'm not sure who "they" are or whether or not they're being hypocritical, but who cares? Surely free speech covers freedom to say hypocritical things.

RoxyRollah · 05-08-2016, 06:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by djchameleon

People need to learn what Free Speech actually means before tossing it around so flippantly.

Free Speech only applies to being able to say what you want about the government in a public space without being arrested for it.[/B]

No doll, the KKK can march and hold alleys without being arrested and express their views on everything not just the government.

There are a few limitations on Freedom of Speech in general, you can't say things that will incite a riot, hate speech, bomb threats, etc.

Say tomorrow right everyone's families were taken away and all that were left was 1 person from each family and they all got together and 1 person said, to a large group that has now gathered outside in utter amazement, "LETS GO GET OUR FAMILIES BACK! HELL NO MOTHA****AS THIS AIN'T RIGHT." That's not inciting a riot, or hate speech that's pointing out the obvious loudly.

This isn't just about disagreeing with someone's opinion.

You're right it's about the state/ colleges telling people what they can and cannot say.

In short **** Ben and everything he stands for. I don't care to hear anymore of his opinions. Sure, he can have them but that doesn't mean I have to put up with/listen to them.

Love the title of this thread btw, it reads like a Fox News headline.

You're right you don't have to listen. But you don't get to brand the person, or shut down their right to say it in places like colleges bro.

Your rights end when your personal bubble ends and mine begins. So no you don't get to impose your views on me and make me shut up because you don't like to hear it. You can walk away. As I can. BUT NOTE I HAVE THE RIGHT TO SAY IT. And colleges cowering to this whole 'hate speech movement" is ludicrous.

Remember when a hate crime was actually going out and beating someone to death because they were black, gay, Jewish, or whatever. Now if you look at them wrong, say something they don't like, or deem offensive or whatever now that's considered hate speech/hate crime and you get a stigma attached to you and a brand. Instead of, if you actually go out and do horrible things to people being handcuffed and locked up.

djchameleon · 05-08-2016, 06:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoxyRollah

Your rights end when your personal bubble ends and mine begins. So no you don't get to impose your views on me and make me shut up because you don't like to hear it. You can walk away. As I can. BUT NOTE I HAVE THE RIGHT TO SAY IT. And colleges cowering to this whole 'hate speech movement" is ludicrous.

You seem to think it's okay to impose your views on others though. If you want to share your hate speech, just book a private theater someone and hold your Klan rallies. Don't come onto a public campus with that hate talk.

Quote:

Originally Posted by RoxyRollah

Ahhh yes a subject very near and dear to my heart the right to say what you want when you want and to whomever you want. THAT IS A RIGHT. A HUMAN RIGHT. Now what's happening and I see it all over this board for example is if you do not go with the popular opinion you are branded as whatever the person preaching liberalism wants you to be. Like me I am just a "paranoid republican conspiracy theorist that does to many drugs to be exact." But in reality I am a patriot that smokes pot everyday, jogs, and take handfuls of vitamins and loves the right to be able to say what I feel needs to be said and I don't feel the need to take away someones right to say whats on their heart JUST BECAUSE IT'S NOT POPULAR.

If you have an unpopular opinion then expect to be challenged on it. Sure, you can have that opinion but people aren't going to just let it slide because you have the right to say. Your right to say things only goes so far. Remember that lady that decided it would be funny to make fun of Africa and say she hopes she doesn't get aids going there. Why did she think it was okay to say that and she wouldn't be fired for it.

05-08-2016, 05:46 AM	#3 (permalink)
Janszoon Mate, Spawn & Die Join Date: May 2007 Location: The Rapping Community Posts: 24,593	I'm not sure of the scope of what you're looking for here but the situation in that video isn't a free speech issue—there's nothing in the US constition that entitles everybody to a microphone, a stage, and a speaking fee. That said, I'm not in favor of shouting people down either. __________________ A Night in the Life of the Invisible Man Time & Place 25 Albums You Should Hear Before the Moon Crashes into the Earth and We All Die last.fm