What is the so called **FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION** in the West??
79835
"Freedom of Expression" is a concept that means that someone has the right to express views-- no matter how unpopular-- without fear of being persecuted or punished for what he has said. In a strictly political sense, freedom of speech is meant to protect the rights of people who have a grievance against the government or have unpopular views in general. It was created because in the past, Western leaders [or religious organizations] had the practice of condemning, imprisoning, or killing people who expressed views that they didn't like. (For example, Honore Daumier [a 19th century French cartoonist] was imprisoned for printing cartoons that the French government found offensive.) \n\nSo Freedom of Expression is a concept meant to protect the rights of people who have unpopular views, especially if it's against the government or other authorities with immense power. They cannot be imprisoned or persecuted or exiled. It is a good concept. The problem, however, is that this concept has now been corrupted by many people, who feel that Freedom of Expression means being as insensitive and rude as you feel like, and not expect to get a negative reaction for it. It has also become a crutch [lazy] response when someone does something that creates controversy and doesn't really address the issue head on. I don't know much about this Danish cartoon affair, but this may have happened in this case.
598807
quite the opposite my friend...for it is uniquely American to have the right to say such things without fear of reprisal....try to do that in any other country and quite possibly you will pay for your moment of indiscression with your life......life free or die....~~
848239
According to HR 6166 EH, the torture bill, no, freedom of speech no longer exists in this country if you are in the U.S.\n\nThere are a lot of puppet identities and a few packs that attack together. You may note some questions are insult free and others will have the same group throwing mud (with atrocious grammar, worse spelling and no manners) en mas.
906702
It's called freedom of speech.
118062
Well that's true in a sense. People can speak out for what they believe and people hear, but in some countries they will be *silenced* by bad ways(to put delicatly)\nNo matter what though, I think they should outcry against it, if enough people think it's wrong and continue for a long time they could possibly do something, but it also may not help. That's the problem with freedom of speech, you can speak out but it doesn't always account for something. \nAm I making any sense? I'm sorry, my thoughts are all jumbled up!
933835
Freedom of speech is not a problem in the USA.  It's alive and well.  Of course, we have our whackos too.  That is, some people believe so strongly in their opinions, that they leave no room in their minds for the opinions of others.  These types, tend to express their opinions as fact rather than opinion.  The next step is threatening others who have differnig opinions.  Happens everywhere; or so I thought.  I didn't think that was unique to the USA.  \n\nPeople in the USA also blast their politicians.  Happens almost every day.  You may not see the bulk of it in the news where you live (UK ?) but if you lived in the USA, you'd see and hear more than you might think was possible.  \n\nJust reading the questions and answers in this forum's Religion and Politics categories is enough to wear me out.  Too bad all the energy devoted to this can't be used to power our vehicles.  Would help my budget some.
127877
Freedom of speech also grants you the right to insult as sad as that may be to some who do not understand those freedoms.  You can not lie about a person speaking, or in written form (slander or libel), in a fashion that will actually cost that person economically due to loss of revenue or actual losses.  Then you may be taken to court and have a judgement placed against you  and have to pay damages to the injured party.  The problem with this comes from different cultures and what one considers freedom of speech the other considers outright insult.  Which has happened and people are being killed over it in protests and most of the people being killed are the ones protesting about being insulted.  This make no sense from either culture and we should all pray for peace and understanding between our people's.
537007
in answer to all your questions, go to the following links:\n\n\nGood source of info for freedom of speech:\nhttp://www.thinkcentre.org/article.cfm?ArticleID=2486 \nhttp://www.siiaonline.org/freedom_speech\nhttp://www.wwlegal.com/index.php?module=guides&func=viewpage&pageid=31\n\narticle on freedom of speech:\nhttp://www.twnside.org.sg/title2/gtrends91.htm\nhttp://www.ntu.edu.sg/IDSS/publications/Perspective/IDSS0112006.pdf\nhttp://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/analysis/view/192132/1/.html
1001124
Oh, I am wounded to the core.\n\nAre you familiar with a document that conservatives shredded and used for toilet paper called the Constitution?  Well, the First Amendment  to that document, which Bush is reported to have called "just a GD piece of paper" guarantees free speech as not only a value, but a right.\n\nIt is not an absolute freedom, of course, there are restrictions against its abuse, such as libel and defamation, obscenity, incitement to crime, and sedition.  Although they have been rejected by American courts, some arguments have been made that speech which is offensive whould also fall under restricted speech, such as using the phrase "sissy liberal talk."
1185151
Why are you such hypocrites-the US citizens I mean? Why do you want other countries to allow freedom and want to muzzle your own press?\nst
960891
Incorrect. In America, we have what is called freedom of expression. We're free to express our opinions, disagree with our idiotic government, and oppose the illegal and unconstitutional wars it brings to our shores. \nActually, the 60% who oppose this stupid, inane 'war' are perhaps among the most patriotic people in America. They know it's wrong, and they believe the Bush administration's activities are despicable.               -RKO-
525047
Western countries are controlled by a small exclusive club of people.  Religion is just another tool on their belt to control us with.  It's why western countries are split 50/50 on every damn issue you can think of.
66256
Its a social experiment thats still being worked out.  There are ongoing problems, like when does freedom of speech become libel?\n\nIts not perfect, but works reasonably well in the western world compared to other systems.  There is accountability.  There is representation. We can't be held without charge, we can't be convicted without trial.
468731
Free speech is a right. It has limits. You cannot threaten people. But if you believe they are wrong or sinning, they do not have a right to not be offended, as you are neither threatening them or harming them in any way.\n\nYou cannot punish peoples' thoughts and still be a free nation. \n\nYou have no right to deny others' speech merely because you don't like it. It is not harassment. You are equally free to ignore them or refute them. But if you curtail their rights by bringing government force against them, we've all lost.\n\nThat is a path that leads to oppression of all people.
159577
Yes.  Freedom of speech does not include incitement.  You will be arrested, if you yelled "FIRE!" in a theather and cause a stampede and a few people died.
722069
Drinking in the streets and smoking in bars is what you call freedom?\n\nNo - freedom is knowing that you can express yourself any way you want that does not harm others, can express any idea that you want, can worship in any way that you want, can go anywhere you want without documentation, can be as you want to be without fear of authorities detaining you or seizing your possessions without cause as defined by law.\n\nYes, America is the most free country in the world - but too few Americans use these freedoms, and that is probably what you realized when you were here.  It's this fact that most threatens the freedom we have.\n\nNote to American readers: Freedom does NOT include a right to NOT be offended.\n\n[ADDED] Seeing your details.... Look, if you're saying the US isn't free, I disagree, and my reasons are stated.  But if you're trying to start a pissing contest about who is freer - US or UK - screw the argument; both are free, OK?
177505
We don't have freedom of expression.  We have free speech.  We have laws to protect this right, and laws against the things you mentioned.  The only thing missing is ethics on the part of the public.  Remember the quote:\n\n‘When bad men combine, the good must associate; else they will fall one by one, an unpitied sacrifice in a contemptible struggle.’ \n\nThat quote from Edmund Burke in ‘Thoughts on the Cause of Present Discontents’ has, in general use, come to be delivered as, ‘The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.’ \n\nWhich ever version you prefer, the message is the same: evil will, therefore good must.\n\nPeople too often remain silent, then wonder why "Government", as if it some outside agency, does not control their lives more.  Look to your own lives and ask, "Have I been more present and active in protecting our institutions of free speech, journalism, publishing, and other media?"\n\nThat is the only way it will change, not further legislation and government paper and ink.