My Take: By Matthew McCully

My Take: By Matthew McCully

When people abuse free speech, it’s never just a contentious statement. It almost always goes part and parcel with the wrong place and the wrong time-like those true freedom fighters who exercise their right to break wind in an elevator.
Nine times out of ten the best course of action is to ignore and let them keep talking.
Ignorance tends to show itself out of a conversation quickly enough.
The problem is that one voice that manages to rise above the rest, singing a tune so hypnotic people start unconsciously tapping their feet.
So, what should you do about it?
I’m going to regret saying this because I hate noise; but sing louder.
Freedom of speech is one of the greatest assets of a democratic society. The only time it’s problematic is when people abuse the privilege, but not enough voices rise in opposition.

 

Share this article