Freedom of Speech - Why don't people get it?

Alrite, so I have this buddy who is Christian. I havn't seen him for ages, seeing as I moved to a different town. Well, the school I go to, most of my friends are athiest like me, and we recently got used to making baby Jesus jokes. For example, if someone hurts themselves, someone would say "Oh don't worry, baby Jesus was save you"... or like if you fail a test: "haha, baby Jesus hates you".

Anyways, I'm hanging out with Todd after a few weeks, and I use the joke a few times. Not on purpose of course, but just because I'm used to it. Well, for some reason he starts getting really offended after a while, and asks me to stop. I don't see what the big deal is, so I ask him, and he tells me it's offensive. I tell him I have no problem with him or his religion, but I think the joke is hilarious. Anyways, a little while later, I use the joke again... he obviously looks upset... another hours later, and AGAIN I make a joke. He gets so upset that he tells me to get out of his house, and call his mom.

Now he won't talk to me, since I "disrespected and offended" him. How are people so sensitive about things like that. I mean, I'm still his friend.. who cares if I say things like that... its not like I am being mean.

What do you guys thing? Why don't people let free thinkers express themselves, and instead make things all personal like him.

Are you saying freedom of speech means he shouldn't be offended? Freedom of speech has nothing to do with that.

If you respect the dude you'd lay off the jokes around him.

Alrite, so I have this buddy who is Christian. I havn't seen him for ages, seeing as I moved to a different town. Well, the school I go to, most of my friends are athiest like me, and we recently got used to making baby Jesus jokes. For example, if someone hurts themselves, someone would say "Oh don't worry, baby Jesus was save you"... or like if you fail a test: "haha, baby Jesus hates you".

Anyways, I'm hanging out with Todd after a few weeks, and I use the joke a few times. Not on purpose of course, but just because I'm used to it. Well, for some reason he starts getting really offended after a while, and asks me to stop. I don't see what the big deal is, so I ask him, and he tells me it's offensive. I tell him I have no problem with him or his religion, but I think the joke is hilarious. Anyways, a little while later, I use the joke again... he obviously looks upset... another hours later, and AGAIN I make a joke. He gets so upset that he tells me to get out of his house, and call his mom.

Now he won't talk to me, since I "disrespected and offended" him. How are people so sensitive about things like that. I mean, I'm still his friend.. who cares if I say things like that... its not like I am being mean.

What do you guys thing? Why don't people let free thinkers express themselves, and instead make things all personal like him.

shoeonhead82

No matter what you do, there will always be people who don't agree with you, and then you might get a little angry at them.

Some people want the world to be exactly according to their head, so they're being asses and do stuff other's might not accept. Blablabla, all the stuff.

You'll offend people no matter what you do, you can't teach Freedom of Speech to someone who's never tried expressing themselves that way.

Are you saying freedom of speech means he shouldn't be offended? Freedom of speech has nothing to do with that.

If you respect the dude you'd lay off the jokes around him.

duxup

I guess he did overreact a bit too much. But I really think you should stop saying the joke in his presence if he asked you that many times; it's really just common courtesy.Bigg_Boi

That doesn't make sense. That's like saying, don't make Muhammad cartoons just if we want to respect Muslim people or show them courtasy. Freedom of expression comes in many forms. For me it's through my jokes. It's like I'm making a political statement against him, or any individual. I just think religion in itself is funny, and especially the whole baby Jesus thing. He shouldn't just react by completing cutting ties with me, that's just "extreme".

I know the example is like on a larger scale, but its like the same thing.

if you're friends with the guy you should respect him enough to cool it if he asks you to..

You won't be getting much support here, as most posters try and act "high and mighty", and "politically correct". DarkPrinceXC

i'm the opposite with pretty much anything

anyway this has nothing to do with free speach, free speach dosn't mean there won't be consequences for what you say just that you can say it

[QUOTE="duxup"]

Are you saying freedom of speech means he shouldn't be offended? Freedom of speech has nothing to do with that.

If you respect the dude you'd lay off the jokes around him.

shoeonhead82

I guess he did overreact a bit too much. But I really think you should stop saying the joke in his presence if he asked you that many times; it's really just common courtesy.Bigg_Boi

That doesn't make sense. That's like saying, don't make Muhammad cartoons just if we want to respect Muslim people or show them courtasy. Freedom of expression comes in many forms. For me it's through my jokes. It's like I'm making a political statement against him, or any individual. I just think religion in itself is funny, and especially the whole baby Jesus thing. He shouldn't just react by completing cutting ties with me, that's just "extreme".

I know the example is like on a larger scale, but its like the same thing.

It is his choice. It has nothing to do with freedom of speech. It has to do with your lack of respect for his beliefs. You either treat the dude with respect or don't. If he wants to be your friend, that is his call.

You can say anything you want. You can go up to some random stranger and say ***** you **** *** ** *** * **** ** *** ** **** ** and **** ** **** ** the ********, sir!

That doesn't mean that there would be consequences though. And you're misinterpreting the first ammendment.

So... let me get this straight. Most of you are opposed to the Muhammed cartoons too? :S

No offense, but I find it a little ironic when you ask why people don't get freedom of speech and then make a post that seems to indicate that you don't get freedom of speech either. :P

Freedom of speech means that the government cannot imprison you, fine you, or otherwise punish you for expressing something. It does not mean that you can express whatever you want without any consequences. As the saying goes, your right to swing your fists ends at another man's nose.

So... let me get this straight. Most of you are opposed to the Muhammed cartoons too? :S

shoeonhead82

Faulty analogy. Most of us are against the Mohammad cartoons being toted around Sharia Law countries and in the faces of Muslims.

You can't wlak up to a Muslim, particularly in his own home, and wave one of those cartoons in his face and expect him to be happy.

So... let me get this straight. Most of you are opposed to the Muhammed cartoons too? :S

shoeonhead82

no i don't see a problem with them

they should have been alowed to print them and people shouldn't have caused the damage they did but it's erfectly fine for muslims to say "**** you" to the cartoonist, free speach works both ways

So... let me get this straight. Most of you are opposed to the Muhammed cartoons too? :S

shoeonhead82

There's a difference between being opposed to something and being offended by it.

So... let me get this straight. Most of you are opposed to the Muhammed cartoons too? :S

shoeonhead82

I don't think anyone should be prevented from posting such an img. Having said that those cartoons were first posted by a right wing paper TRYING to get a reaction. I belive it is their right to do so, but also was irresponsible.

However, if you think that's related to your issue you're off the mark.

So... let me get this straight. Most of you are opposed to the Muhammed cartoons too? :S

shoeonhead82

[QUOTE="shoeonhead82"]

So... let me get this straight. Most of you are opposed to the Muhammed cartoons too? :S

duxup

I don't think anyone should be prevented from posting such an img. Having said that those cartoons were first posted by a right wing paper TRYING to get a reaction. I belive it is their right to do so, but also was irresponsible.

However, if you think that's related to your issue you're off the mark.

or..

or..

Deihjan

Or Lucky Star dance? Sounds good to me.

[QUOTE="duxup"]

Are you saying freedom of speech means he shouldn't be offended? Freedom of speech has nothing to do with that.

If you respect the dude you'd lay off the jokes around him.

shoeonhead82

I guess he did overreact a bit too much. But I really think you should stop saying the joke in his presence if he asked you that many times; it's really just common courtesy.Bigg_Boi

That doesn't make sense. That's like saying, don't make Muhammad cartoons just if we want to respect Muslim people or show them courtasy. Freedom of expression comes in many forms. For me it's through my jokes. It's like I'm making a political statement against him, or any individual. I just think religion in itself is funny, and especially the whole baby Jesus thing. He shouldn't just react by completing cutting ties with me, that's just "extreme".

I know the example is like on a larger scale, but its like the same thing.

free speach dosn't mean there arn't consequences to what you say, he has free speach too and the right to not be your friend

[QUOTE="shoeonhead82"]

So... let me get this straight. Most of you are opposed to the Muhammed cartoons too? :S

duxup

I don't think anyone should be prevented from posting such an img. Having said that those cartoons were first posted by a right wing paper TRYING to get a reaction. I belive it is their right to do so, but also was irresponsible.

However, if you think that's related to your issue you're off the mark.

Fine, ok... maybe they were trying to get a reaction.

However, it's also my right to make these jokes, and for him to get offended is insane. I mean, the kid near hit me before I left. Just like the poster on the previous page suggested he would do, in his position.

free speach dosn't mean there arn't consequences to what you say, he has free speach too and the right to not be your friend

markop2003

Doesn't sound he's a good friend to begin with if he continues to disrespect his friend. :?

[QUOTE="duxup"][QUOTE="shoeonhead82"]

So... let me get this straight. Most of you are opposed to the Muhammed cartoons too? :S

Deihjan

I don't think anyone should be prevented from posting such an img. Having said that those cartoons were first posted by a right wing paper TRYING to get a reaction. I belive it is their right to do so, but also was irresponsible.

However, if you think that's related to your issue you're off the mark.

The Danes are out of control!

So... let me get this straight. Most of you are opposed to the Muhammed cartoons too? :S

shoeonhead82

I wouldn't say I'm "opposed" to them, but freedom of speech comes along with others' freedom to react in a negative way to what you do. If you do something that you know will be unpopular and will incite anger, you'd best be prepared for the consequences. Your friend is not abridging your freedom of speech by being offended at your jokes.

[QUOTE="Deihjan"][QUOTE="duxup"][QUOTE="shoeonhead82"]

So... let me get this straight. Most of you are opposed to the Muhammed cartoons too? :S

duxup

I don't think anyone should be prevented from posting such an img. Having said that those cartoons were first posted by a right wing paper TRYING to get a reaction. I belive it is their right to do so, but also was irresponsible.

However, if you think that's related to your issue you're off the mark.

The Danes are out of control!

However, it's also my right to make these jokes, and for him to get offended is insane. I mean, the kid near hit me before I left. Just like the poster on the previous page suggested he would do, in his position.

shoeonhead82

From your description he didn't dispute your right to make a joke. So what is the issue?

You don't like that there were consequences to your actions? Get used to it.

I think he has every right to be mad at you because you made it a bit personal and stepped over the line a bit.

You did purposely disrespect him and being that your joke was in such bad taste you indeed offended him not only from the context of your remarks, but by the slight you gave him personally by not adhering to his simple wishes as a friend. I think you should apologize.

So... let me get this straight. Most of you are opposed to the Muhammed cartoons too? :S

shoeonhead82

how do you figure? the guy is your friend and you're being a douche to him by not stopping when he asks you to. good friend.

free speach dosn't mean there arn't consequences to what you say, he has free speach too and the right to not be your friend

markop2003

That doesn't make it right! Like I said, the analogy is similar. This is like watching the Muslims in the world start burning everything when they get offended, and saying "oh... but there are consequences to freedom of speech". WHAT? No, we should tell them its our right, and it's stupid you get offended over 'words' and 'pictures'.

free spech allows you to say anything but the consquences are what must be taken into account. People have the right to be affended as well..Skylarkell

[QUOTE="shoeonhead82"]

So... let me get this straight. Most of you are opposed to the Muhammed cartoons too? :S

comp_atkins

how do you figure? the guy is your friend and you're being a douche to him by not stopping when he asks you to. good friend.

"Good neighboring countries / allies / diplomacy"... what?

[QUOTE="Skylarkell"]free spech allows you to say anything but the consquences are what must be taken into account. People have the right to be affended as well..Deihjan

:lol: yeah in that sense of crazed farmers.

[QUOTE="markop2003"]

free speach dosn't mean there arn't consequences to what you say, he has free speach too and the right to not be your friend

shoeonhead82

That doesn't make it right! Like I said, the analogy is similar. This is like watching the Muslims in the world start burning everything when they get offended, and saying "oh... but there are consequences to freedom of speech". WHAT? No, we should tell them its our right, and it's stupid you get offended over 'words' and 'pictures'.

You sound like you're making an argument that he doesn't have a right to make his own choices of who to be friends with because you have freedom of speech...

[QUOTE="markop2003"]

free speach dosn't mean there arn't consequences to what you say, he has free speach too and the right to not be your friend

shoeonhead82

That doesn't make it right! Like I said, the analogy is similar. This is like watching the Muslims in the world start burning everything when they get offended, and saying "oh... but there are consequences to freedom of speech". WHAT? No, we should tell them its our right, and it's stupid you get offended over 'words' and 'pictures'.

Are you asserting that your friend does not have the right to be offended at your jokes?

No offense, but you aren't going to make it very far in life if you're that unwilling to change your behavior based on the person you're interacting with. One of the fundamental tenets of productive, effective human interaction is relating to others on their terms, not yours. People aren't going to change for you.

[QUOTE="markop2003"]

free speach dosn't mean there arn't consequences to what you say, he has free speach too and the right to not be your friend

shoeonhead82

That doesn't make it right! Like I said, the analogy is similar. This is like watching the Muslims in the world start burning everything when they get offended, and saying "oh... but there are consequences to freedom of speech". WHAT? No, we should tell them its our right, and it's stupid you get offended over 'words' and 'pictures'.

He can not be your friend for whatever reason he choises, he dosn't even have to have a reason. Burning everything is a different issue as that is negativity instead of simpley loss of positivity... if u c wat i mean

[QUOTE="Deihjan"][QUOTE="Skylarkell"]free spech allows you to say anything but the consquences are what must be taken into account. People have the right to be affended as well..Skylarkell

:lol: yeah in that sense of crazed farmers.

So my friend's grandma died. I make fun of him for crying about it. He's telling me to stop, saying something about how he was close to her or something. Anyways, I'm only joking around. He's my friend, so he should understand this, right? I continue making fun of him and his grandma. They were the funniest jokes ever! Anyone else would've laughed. He gets offended, almost hits me, and tells me to leave his house. Can't he understand where I'm coming from?

The above story is all fiction. Am I allowed to say those things? Yes. Am I being disrespectful? Yes. Am I being a total asshat? Affirmative.

[QUOTE="shoeonhead82"][QUOTE="markop2003"]

free speach dosn't mean there arn't consequences to what you say, he has free speach too and the right to not be your friend

markop2003

That doesn't make it right! Like I said, the analogy is similar. This is like watching the Muslims in the world start burning everything when they get offended, and saying "oh... but there are consequences to freedom of speech". WHAT? No, we should tell them its our right, and it's stupid you get offended over 'words' and 'pictures'.

He can not be your friend for whatever reason he choises, he dosn't even have to have a reason. Burning everything is a different issue as that is negativity instead of simpley loss of positivity... if u c wat i mean

But the muslims burning the danish flag was something completely different to your friend kicking you out of his house. You were being a douche to him, without noticing. Sure, we where being douches aswell, but The Jutland Post ordered those drawings..on purpose.. We -wanted- (well, not all of us, the editors and CEO's and blablabla of the newspaper did) to provoke..

No offense, but I find it a little ironic when you ask why people don't get freedom of speech and then make a post that seems to indicate that you don't get freedom of speech either. :P

Freedom of speech means that the government cannot imprison you, fine you, or otherwise punish you for expressing something. It does not mean that you can express whatever you want without any consequences. As the saying goes, your right to swing your fists ends at another man's nose.

GabuEx

lets say you do say something offensive, and offend some guy, so he beats you to a bloody pulp, who's at fault?