The line between free speech and insults?

There is a fine line between free speech and insults. Sometimes people speak without any intent to hurt or offend others, but it can still create negative reactions. This is especially difficult in textual conversation such as this forum, where things like body language and tone of voice isn't a part of the equation.

To me, it's a matter of intent. If someone were to say for example "nigger" or "gay" or other such words, it should be considered if this was intentionally used to hurt someones feelings or not. In my opinion alot of people out there take themselves way too serious (Muhammed caricatures comes to mind), but our era of international communication causes cultures to clash and people have a different view of what is offensive or not. There is even a chance that someone will read my post and be offended by my choice of examples, even though I have no intention of singling out those two groups.

Where do you think the line goes? Discuss.

 

Very good point, put i think it should stop at sexism/racism.

 

Freedom of speech is around as a element of personality, people are allowed to say what they want, and should be able to say what they want, but I think that they should have to stop as racism/sexism.

 

You're contradicting yourself by saying "they should be able to say anything they want, except this and that". Where do you stand?

As I said I think it's more to do with intent. I make racist and sexist remarks about my friends all the time, but it's ok because the know I'm saying it as a joke and not to hurt them.

 

I'm attracted to white women, not black men. Does this make me a sexist and a racist?

 

Yes, you should be ashamed of yourself.

Seriously though, try to add to the subject.

 

Imo people are being way to sensitive to this subject, such as racist remarks, vulgarity, and a few others. Freedom of speech is here, yet there is such a thing as verbal assault?

 

Well I believe in free speech, but I also believe in people having a right to not here racist comments.

No one has yet considered that there are more rights to consider then just free speech.

 

FINN i don't understand what you are trying to say?
Do you think it is ok for someone to go to a jew and scream Heil Hitler on his face or no? Just respond with a YES or NO i don't want a motivation

 

I don't think there is free speech anymore because political correctness comes along and messes it up. Free speech is anything you feel like saying BUT free speech can be interpreted as an insult it all depends on the exact context and background of both you and the person you are directing your free speech towards

 

Is it ok to verbally threaten somebody with violence?

 

Threatening with violence is considered a crime in most countries if it can be proven the person had the intention and equipment to carry out the threat.

However absolute freedom of speech can be immoral and illegal. For example you can not use your freedom of speech to encourage someone to break a law such as assaulting somebody, that is both immoral and illegal.

 

We're not talking about what is, but what should be.

 

I know, I was just adding in that piece of knowledge so the debaters know the legal stance on threatening with violence.

 

free speech and expletives/insults are different....
free speech: i dont agree with your way of life etc. etc.
expletives/ insults: fuck you u fuckin prick i dont like u coz of wut u believe in etc.etc.

there is no fine line between it
freedom of speech belongs to the modern man and u can say just abt nythin in the correct tone.
insult belongs to barbarians who have obviously had a lower tier education