I see a lot of discussion about free speech and violence. Condemnations of violence against people saying hateful things. It sounds so easy but I think it's more complicated than we often imagine. When does speech become action? When do beliefs become the person? I wish I knew. One thing's for sure, it isn't an abrupt border from one to the other. We all recognize the old saw about not shouting 'Fire!' in a crowed theater but what about whispering 'I smell smoke' to those nearby?
History is full of times when these transitions were missed until it was too late. I hope we aren't in one of those times.
I see a lot of discussion about free speech and violence. Condemnations of violence against people saying hateful things. It sounds so easy but I think it's more complicated than we often imagine. When does speech become action? When do beliefs become the person? I wish I knew. One thing's for sure, it isn't an abrupt border from one to the other. We all recognize the old saw about not shouting 'Fire!' in a crowed theater but what about whispering 'I smell smoke' to those nearby?
ReplyDeleteHistory is full of times when these transitions were missed until it was too late. I hope we aren't in one of those times.
Maybe, for once, collectively, our sisters will rise up again, and not stop until that mediocre, bigoted businessman is impeached.
ReplyDelete