"Freedom of speech" vs "freedom not to be verbally abused"

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

This mytake is to address the growing issue on this site and probably many other online sites although this is the only online site I'm on....

And to clear up the misunderstanding, misconception and misuse of what Freedom of Speech is and MEANS...

OPINIONS!!

PEOPLE FORGET THAT PART🤷🏼‍♀️

And the DIFFERENCE between FREEDOM OF SPEECH and VERBAL ABUSE...

PLEASE KNOW THE DIFFERENCE!

Freedom of Speech....

*Yes you have a right to freely voice your opinions, thoughts, beliefs..

*Yes you have a right to disagree with other's opinions, thoughts, beliefs

*Yes you have a right to "civilly" discuss, argue your points and difference in opinions....

"You have a right to not engage with someone you wish not to....

But here is where the problem starts, comes in, When you take away other's rights.......

Verbal Abuse and Not Freedom of speech...

*People also have a right to freely express their opinions,thoughts, beliefs....

Without being personally attacked or verbally attacked....

*People should also have the right to disagree with other's opinions, thoughts, beliefs...

Without being maliciously insulted or bullied ....

*People should also have a right to "civilly" discuss, argue their points and difference in opinion...

Without being called slanderous names, without being stalked or harassed....

People also have a right to not engage with someone they wish not to....

Without you creating other accounts to continue to abuse, stalk or harass them...

Without getting other users to gang up on them, stalk, or harass them..

*People have said "If you can't handle insults maybe you shouldn't use it...

No how about if you don't know how to conduct yourself properly, maybe you shouldn't use the internet...

*People say the internet is not real life

You're not physically in person but the PEOPLE are still REAL so how is it not real life?

All people should have the privilege to use the internet without abuses. There is a big difference between calling someone's opinion stupid and calling them stupid... Or to call people bitches, cunts, sluts, etc.,etc.

And watch how many will attack me or this post and you can, or say I'm trying to censor people. No I'm not, I'm trying to get the point across that you can't say people are taking your rights away, because it is not A RIGHT to abuse people. You have your rights but I also have rights too, to:

Remove any replies that are just to insult me....

Report any abuse on this post

Remove and or Report, And Block any Anons that thinks they can be abusive as ANON (I will not make this where Anons can't reply, but will block any Anons that are abusive so I don't have to deal with them anymore)

Not respond to those that haven't read the WHOLE mytake(if you can't be bothered to read the whole post, I can no longer be bothered to reply...

And no I'm not acting like I'm perfect or do no wrong, but I know I don't take my frustrations out by abusing others, I don't abuse others for entertainment or sport... Verbally abusing people is not sport it's ABUSE

PLEASE KEEP THIS SITE AND THE INTERNET SAFE AND FUN FOR EVERYONE!!

As always thank you for reading 💙💜

'Brainsbeforebeauty"😘

[Yads_Is_Back]

First, I love how you provided a good list of examples of what is considered abusive. Because people, especially here, tend to take things not even close to that list as insults, which is really a show of insecurity on their part. So the list provides a good foundation. A lot of times insults are not abuse and really aren't insults unless you take it that way. Some people are actually insecure enough to take little meaningless things as offensive.
Second, freedom of speech is like any other freedom: it's limited and yours stops where another person's starts. That's hard to comprehend in a selfish society.
Third, the creating other accounts and stalking/trolling somebody with it... omg. People need to get lives. lol
Lastly, you need to write a book or put all your myTakes in a book. I'll be the first one to buy it.

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

To your first-I agree people take to much as insult which you get that I want taking about that as so many others didn't, so thank you!!!
To your second-OMG THANK YOU!! You're intelligent enough to get the difference, sadly not enough people are
To your third-right!!! Agree 💯+
And to your last-aww thank you 💙💜💙🤗
Seriously, might be the best answer here and not just cuz of the compliment 🤣 because you understand I'm not trying to censor or take away someone's rights, just trying to point out when you do those abuses to people where they feel fed up or unsafe, you're taking their rights away.. someone I know in real life sadly closed her account on GAG and she was a long time user and part of how I knew of GAG in the first place... Why should good users like her have to leave because of people that used this site to take their aggressions out on others or do it for entertainment or sport...
Again, thank you!!!🙂

[SandandWaves]

bullies cannot stand seeing themselves in the mirror, and lash out at the light

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

@SandandWaves well said so true!

[SandandWaves]

nah, think am wrong...
some bullies are being bullied by others... or used to be bullied... and now they're doing it.
am no psychologist, so, cannot say, why bullies do it.
gosh, wish I could delete my comment
was already frustrated, still am, about other things, it would be easy to just click on delete.

[TCredo]

Great My Take Toots and should be required reading for anyone using GaG or any other site/app like it. If you think GaG gets bad... browse around Twitter for a few minutes lol.

I don't have much to add to all your great points. Will just say I enjoy a good argument or debate on all sorts of topics but it's getting sadder with how rare it is to have a healthy exchange of different opinions and ideas.

I truly believe one of the most human things is to be curious about other opinions and use them to challenge your own or just to understand others etc... I think everyone is born with that attribute.

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

Thank you and thank you for getting in not trying to censor someone's speech... There's disagreeing, there's arguing, and even insults, like the guy that called me toots 🤣 obviously he was trying to insult but then some people take to even further than that... I've seen replys on posts in fee answered where people told people they should just kill themselves like wtf and other worse things... Is starts becoming less insult and more verbal attack in my opinion

[TCredo]

Sadly I've seen the same and agree with you... I do believe in karma and folks who post verbal abuse will hopefully someday get what's due them. I know it's not easy for everyone but I do wish people would ignore it - and know it's more a sign of the abuser's weaknesses and troubles... but I know that's not easy especially when the abuse is that awful.

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

But if just ignore the issues they will never go away, they'll just get worse. Abuse shouldn't be ignored it should be addressed, stopped shouldn't it 🤔

[TCredo]

Good point - my ignoring was more meant to be don't ever listen to the haters but you are right... ignoring is not the answer to fixing the problem.

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

Yeah but who really cares or even sees it as a problem these days 🤷🏼‍♀️ injustices are more glorified, justified these days 🤷🏼‍♀️

[TCredo]

Unfortunately you are right... again :) I do think (or like to think...) the majority of folks cares about this and sees it as a problem - but many of them remain silent to not get barraged or simply get drowned out by the louder abuser crowd.

To your post, I am a big believer in all things related to Freedom of Speech... and I am usually small gov't minded but... with the advent of social media, lately I've been wondering about an "online license" type of approach similar to what you have to do for getting your drivers license.

I shiver at over-regulation but I think it's a valid idea as it seems so many folks are not behaving properly - putting in some type of test and fine system might be what's needed to get the online "roads" safe :)

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

I agree with that there. Funny how many accounts on here would disappear if they had to prove who they were lol

[TCredo]

Agree with the disappearing occurring lol... and thanks for the MHO on a great My Take :)

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

👍 thank you sir 🙂🤗🤗

[ecfresh]

Thank you as always for thinking outside of the box and generating content. I have a few thoughts.


First and most importantly: freedom of speech is an absolute right and should be defended with our lives. If fact I often make it a point to say thank you to those who have served in the military and those family members of current and former servicemen. Literally people died in US history to fight for and win our freedom of speech. So any attempts to take it away from our country will never succeed. This is a core value to what makes America great.


Past that I had two items of feedback:


Speech on a 1 vs 1 basis is fair and in fact encouraged. Having civil conversations where two people can argue, educate, and most importantly LISTEN are very important here on GaG. Individuals will always have their own opinions and the ability to go back and forth in a mature way is one of the best parts of this site. All that said what sucks frankly is bullying, piling on, and multiple people attacking one person. That’s no longer civil and fair. In those situations people need to use their speech to stand up for the one and tell the group to piss off. Bluntly speaking it’s weak and immature to cruelly attack someone as a mob online.


Also while I understand and agree with some circumstances to be able to post anonymously, I wish that ability would have some limits because when someone attacks from a place of anon they don’t harm their reputation. Personally I chose to not post anon because I believe in my reputation and in speaking the truth. People can go back 2 years and call me out on any hypocritical comments. But when someone goes anon into an online ‘fight’, their reputation can’t be harmed and obviously they can push buttons and troll. Sadly that results in online abuse and really hurts people. There is no real penalty for posting hurtful and evil comments when you go anon.. that’s just wrong. Again we can’t take anon away and I would be two faced to say anon should have a filter on any comments; just expect adults to act like adults.


Ya I know that’s a lot of words and not many will read them. But I will finish by apologizing if anything I have said has been harmful. I don’t think it’s weak to apologize, and I try to not hurt people with my words. What I do try to do is be honest and I try to LISTEN to others. If you take anything away, I hope we all choose to LISTEN and empathize with our fellow members a little bit more moving forward.

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

Noone is trying to take away freedom of speech... But there's a difference between speech and verbal abuse..
Bitch, cunt, slut, fat fucker low life man who can't get laid, etc., etc.
Could people talk to their boss at work like that and get away with it 🤔
Or their coworkers, 🤔
So why do they think it's okay to behave that way online?
Anyways, but that is also against site rules of GAG...
Freedom of speech is to express your opinions and beliefs.. It doesn't mean free to abuse people and verbal abuse is abuse

[ecfresh]

That’s why I brought up the topic of reputation. Sure we can say anything we want, but words have consequences. Per your example calling your boss an asshole to her face could lead to losing your job. However here on GaG and especially with anon posts, there are no consequences to abusive words and expressions.

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

Oh I agree they need to get rid of the ANON feature... I mean you can report and block them but doesn't do much... Especially with the multiple fake accounts 🤷🏼‍♀️

[kespethdude]

I'm not going to emphasize with anyone who threatens my country or wants to have sex with children. Sorry, not sorry.

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

@kespethdude who’s doing that?

[SjE78]

freedom of speech is for all, in many cases passionate people become so invested in what they believe, that they may argue and come across as loud or aggressive, some people do get irate, while others can become abusive...

however if someone is saying something that another doesn't like for example a difference of oppinion (not talking about shittalking someone down) then their words can in fact be interpreted as verbal abuse... when in reality it isn't...

now if someone is constantly putting someone down, and calling them derogatory things cos of sex, ethnicity, colour, orientation or something else they dont like... this is not freedom of speech, but instead it is bullying and not to be tolerated...

many people these days like to get involved in protests and activist activities but they can't understand the argument from the other side, and they cannot see past their own views... this in itself is dangerous, especially with the way the world is atm...

we have people seeing racism and genderism even sexism even in places where it isn't an issue... but cos someone uses a certain word or phrase it is automatically racist, sexist. abusive or offensive... hell i read an article where by the use of a full stop is considered offensive... i mean what the fuck is wrong with some people, are we that far enlightened or are they that woke that they forgot how to use proper punctuation and/or grammar...

(so to all those who believe it is, i used more)

we all have a choice when hearing someone elses oppinion (s), we can either listen and respect/understand there point, accept they have a right to their views, but ultimately expect them to respect and/or understand we have a right to disagree... or we can report the world for being uniquely filled with people who have their own opinions of life...

if everyone shared the exact same views, no one would be happy...

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

I agree.. Everyone had a right to their own views and to disagree or argue their point... But they don't have a right to call people bitch, whore, cunt, slut, fucking loser, fatass loser who just can't get a woman, etc... That's not free speech, that's abusive behavior... Could prolly talk/behave that way on their job? Or at school? It other places? So why is it acceptable behavior online? There was a post by a 16 year old yesterday and some adults were being over rude in the things they were saying... Come on she's a teenager.. Since when is it okay for Adults to bully teenagers online,? That is not free speech... Noone's trying to take away anyone's rights... But since when did abusing it bullying someone become a right? And last I checked, it is against GAG rules... 🤷🏼‍♀️

[SjE78]

exactly as that isn't freedom of speech, that is abuse/bullying I have seen so many on here who have belittled people regardless of gender and many of the things those people have said were without any call for their reactions, it's disgusting in my opinion and when i see shit like that happening I always end up making sure it is reported, and downvoted as much as possible...

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

I appreciate that you do that. Not that that really does much good if GAG don't take it seriously enough... It's not enough to just remove those posts in my opinion. If the same user keeps being overly offensive they should ban that user. But then nothing really stops em from just creating a new account 🤷🏼‍♀️ I've thought about just leaving this site.. But there is some cool people on here and then also that's just letting the haters win

[SjE78]

I agree but in a way it's a small step in a much bigger issue...
either on here or some other social media, i forget which tbh that
the other day i saw a post a young girl was seeking advice and a guy turned round gave her a load of abuse, tell her she's a slut or scum of the earth type of thing, made out she doesn't even deserve to be around...

another case i know of a single mother of 3+ was degraded and vebally attacked on here cos of her being single, not cos here partner left her or abused her and she was stuck with being alone and with 3+ children... but some moron blamed her.. sickens me to thing that there are people out there who think that that is ok to treat others like that...
clearly G@G and other sites need better rules and means of governing their sites, executing those rules when and where broken

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

See that right there that's horrible and totally unacceptable

[SjE78]

exactly, it ceases as freedom of speech and turns into outright disrespect, hate speech and bullying by that point

[joeblow123]

@Brainsbeforebeauty

"loser who just can't get a woman,"

What would you do for a man in that situation? A lot of men's confidence is nonexistent in today's society. You're the one acting like Mrs. Nurturer who is concerned with others? Are you or are you not?

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

@joeblow123 ok bye now blocked

[SjE78]

I guess that is point and case, and clearly didn't understand the point that was being made, even when the discussion was made clearly for those who have a hard time understanding eh... he could have created his own comment instead of responding to this one with negative bollocks

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

He's doing that on every thread that agreed and disagreed and I usually don't like to block people but when he said he users verbal and physical abuse yeah I blocked him

[SjE78]

yeah i can't stand small minded people like that, after reading his BS i blocked him also, got no time for people like that tbf

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

Omg did you see what was on his profile page defender of all men he'll swoop in and right a wrong... Well he swooped wrong cuz I'm not attacking men on this post nor do I ever.. I don't engage in or put up with gender bashing when men or women do it.. Not my style.. I believe in treating people as individuals

[SjE78]

no i didn't bother tbh cos i saw the BS on the reply he put and couldn't be bothered responding or letting him keep being an arse
but it's clear that they dont even try to read the messages or posts anymore, probably cos they cannot begin to fathom what it actually means... your post is about people's freedom of speech in general and how how the right to free speech has/can be been abused and that it isn't a right to abuse... so then we get a prime example of someone come in and do just that... and they attack without even knowing or understanding what they are fighting against

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

Thank you for understanding exactly what the purpose of this post is... So many think this is to censor what people are saying... And that's not true... But attacking people, harassing people IS NOT free speech.. so I don't have the right to free speech without someone attacking me for not liking what I'm saying? But then isn't that taking away my right to free speech? I'm actually glad he came in this post and did that.. Cuz yes you're right.. He's the perfect example of exactly what I'm talking about here...

[SjE78]

you're welcome tbh i believe that's the issue with a lot of people these days... everything is all about them, aimed at them, an attack on them, or the world exists cos of them, they always miss the point of what life is about, freedom of speech is no different, a right to do something doesn't give people the right to act irrationally or ignore what is being said, it never has and never should... it just shows how limited some are in how they respond without considering the words being told... i pity them

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

👏👏👏👏 thank you sir, (tips hat) well if wore a hat 😁 I'd curtsy but too old, it'd be that old lady curtsied, fell and couldn't get up life alert commercial 🤣🤣

[kespethdude]

I wonder how joeblow's doing in prison now... hope Big Bubba's treating him well lol

[b5fan]

I agree with the post to some extent in that users of this forum should treat each other with respect and that there should be decorum on these forums. And some of these

The definition you cited of Verbal Abuse is overly broad however:
Yelling/screaming -- not really applicable here... but isn't that what protesters do?
Insults -- while I agree you shouldn't insult others on this form, Insults are very much free speech.
Mocking -- quintessential free speech. Late night TV mocks the president daily.
Sarcastic comments -- again quintessential free speech.
Intimidating threats -- This is not and can be considered a crime so I agree with you here.
Disregard for fellings -- Freedom is speech IS the right to offend. The best way to combat offensive ideas is with better ideas, not censorship. Otherwise the ones who are offended most easily control all debate.
Cursing/swearing -- Sorry this is free speech as well.
Manipulating words -- who defines this?
Name calling -- free speech... just look at President Trump.
Negative criticism -- how can you debate without criticizing the other point of view? Unless you are saying there should be no debate?

That being said I agree that you shouldn't direct verbal abuse towards other members, their ideas should be fair game. Otherwise there will be no free exchange of ideas which is what I see as free speech.

Sorry for replying one month after your post.

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

Some do some don't. I don't know because the wrong things are being protested... There was 17 shootings in ONE day in my city last Thursday, one killed, a17 year old boy, yet no protests for him? Why, cuz it wouldn't stir up the race issue enough as it was a black person that shit and killed another black person.. So much for BLM🤷🏼‍♀️

[b5fan]

I do agree that the wrong things are protested many times. The best way to handle that is with another protest where you state the right thing to protest and advocate for the right change. One of my problems with BLM is their proclivity to say everyone whoever isn't with them is against them. And they will create an ad homidium campaign against voices of dissent. I have no problem if they attack ideas, unfortunately they attack people who disagree.

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

Omg.. Right.. I've been accused of being racist.. Even though I don't see color, I just see people.. Raised my kids that way.. But if a white person disagrees with a black person, they racist, and if a black person disagrees with a black person, they an uncle Tom , so WHO'S being more racist there? 🤔 Just saying 🤷🏼‍♀️

[RolandCuthbert]

I tend to side with the whole free speech thing. I just think the issue in America is that people want freedom from consequences. You can definitely say anything you wish, but you have to pay the price when you do. So if you don't like homosexuals but run a business where you have homosexual clients, you have to understand they are perfectly within their rights to stop using their services. And others who dislike your rhetoric should be free to use other services.

What I find at GaG is that most folks here don't seem to understand this extends to employees also. If you are an employee of an organization and you espouse racist or sexist views, they can terminate your employment because your views reflect negatively on them. That is their right.

The funny thing is people have gotten termed for a lot less. BLM supporters have been fired for trying bring literature or their views into the workplace. I have seen people get fired for getting a lunch order wrong.

It is just the way it goes in a capitalistic society.

[Citizenkirk]

Freedom of speech and freedom of expression are absolute, conditional too appropriate format of public distribution. Verbal abuse is not typically considered a form of personal expression of philosophical, religious, spiritual, ethical, or social relativistic iss because abuse is not a two way form of communication, and communicating aggression or violence are not protected by the Bill of Rights. Peaceful demonstrations, televised debates, fund raisers, public awareness campaigns, and such, have rules of conduct and established public forums enforced both by law, and unspoken social convention going back too the original drafting of the Constitution (atrocious, barbaric, Mad Max style behaviors of the House and Senate for the first 75 years of our federal government's history not withstanding.) Of the United States of America 🇺🇸. The same point can be made that my CCP authorizes me too carry a sidearm concealed from open view, but with exceptions, like banks, federal buildings, most schools, and a number of other places that even local law enforcement are sometimes prohibited from entering with a loaded firearm.

[Lliam]

Something must have really triggered you, bbb. I'm sorry that someone has done that to you.

I debated refraining from commenting on this. But because I like and respect you and think of you as a friend, I'll put in a brief two cents.

I disagree with some of what you said. I strongly defend freedom of speech. The only speech that should be (and already is) outlawed is threats and clear incitement of violence. Stalking and certain kinds of harassment are threats. Bullying is not.
A person always has the option of walking away from someone they disapprove of. On-line, we can ignore, block or report abusive speech that is targeted at us.
But determining what is abusive or inappropriate is subjective. Its like trying to define pornography. "I know it when I see it." That is nothing on which to base a law.

I don't approve of meanness or bullying. I sometimes lash right back at such people in defense of myself or others. Do I have a right to do so or does that also make ME a bully?

This is a big subject. I won't try to address all the ins and outs and nuances. But I will say that I strongly oppose infringements on freedom of expression. I despise censorship.

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

I consider you a friend as well but we gonna have to agree to disagree on this one friend... If people can't use the internet without being attacked are they not censoring your rights tho.. people can't use their rights by taking away other's... And this isn't just about me.. It's about the posters who think it's ok to insult people cuz they what disagreed? And block? For what? What does that solve? People just create new accounts... People report and the offensive reply removed but that don't stop them.. And how many people in here have more than one account... Quite a few even tho that's against site rules.. If people want to call people bitch cunt slut they know... But noone has the right to do that for no reason to people on the internet. Free speech didn't mean free to bully or abuse people... I mean you wouldn't put up with someone calling your wife that IRL right? Internet shouldn't be any different. . Don't hate me cuz we don't agree here 🙁

[Lliam]

I agree with you about people who create new accounts or have multiple accounts and keep targeting you. What would be the solution? There should be a way to stop them. But I will never agree to a law.

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

👍👍

[Edanurus]

Ok so this flip flops a little, harassment is never right but the way you describe verbal abuse to me is verging to a place that I disagree with.

"I agree with you but you're being a bit of a dick about it" from the mytake this seems to me to class as verbal abuse, it's also negative criticism something in one of the pictures as abuse, now sure it's a little crass to put it that way and there are more polite ways of saying it but is it verbal abuse really.

Perhaps it's because I live in a country with hate speech laws and they are not good. You can be charged with he phrase "As a gay man I hate pride. The way its portrayed in the media enforces stereotypes." It has "I hate pride" in it. if someone overheard that, found it offensive and homophobic even if they aren't gay themselves that is hate speech.

I feel in some places people need a verbal dressing down in some ways. Especially when we are not just talking about opinions and thoughts but advice and attitudes. Sometimes being nice isn't the kind thing to do, sometimes people need a kick up the arse.

[JackSmy]

I have read your words, and they are good, and I agree with most, except, Who decides what is free speech, and what is 'bullying' and 'abusive'?
I agree, most, sane, intelligent people, have some social 'graces' and know when they are crossing lines, but what about those, from other cultures, that do not share the same values, and concepts and perceptions, and simply say what they think, WITHOUT INTENDING HARM, but that is PERCEIVED as offensive, to the one hearing it?
Should the speaker be held liable, without INTENT TO HURT, when the one hearing feels HURT?
How can anyone control another's feelings and perceptions, and understandings, especially, here, through text?
Maybe everyone needs to take a moment, and think, pause, and consider, maybe asking for clarification of intent, before judging and condemning another for a simple statement.
Seems that soooooo many are so quick to CHOOSE to take offense, to almost everything, rather than reread, and understand the INTENT, and just RELAX a little!
I know, not addressing all of your points, but this one is the first step to the rest, I think.

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

That's so not true.. calling people bitch, cunt, slut, fucking loser, fat ass loser who just can't get laid, etc? Anyone who thinks that's not MEANT to be offensive, anyone who thinks it's OKAY to talk to people like that.. That's NOT free speech, that's VERBAL ABUSE and NOT OKAY... Could people talk/act like that on their job or to their boss? Or at school? So why do people think they can do it online? I answered a question from a 16 year old poster and you should of seen the way done people don't to her. Do it's okay for Adults to treat a teenager much less anyone else like that online? No it's not... And it's also against GAG rules, not that people follow the rules on here anyway and not that GAG enforces them enough

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

*some people talked to her

[JackSmy]

@Brainsbeforebeauty I agree, to a point, but in a society with FREE Speech, sometimes you are going to be offended, and sometimes hate what the other says!
They have the right to say what they think, just like you have the right to say they are an assbag, and full of sht!!!
When you start censoring certain words, and then contexts, it isn't FREE SPEECH anymore!

There is a LINE between FREE SPEECH and ABUSIVE SPEECH, and that is defined, by the courts!
I wish people had the sense, and social graces to be respectful, but they obviously don't!

Now, it seems EVERYONE wants to BAN this, BAN that, REGULATE this, REGULATE that!!! WTF ever happened to being a GROWN UP, and HAVING RESPECT for those around you? That would solve most of this!!
Once you start banning things, it is an endless, slippery slope to 1984, by Orwell!! i don't want to live in a world like that!! Ever read it?

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

I'm sorry you don't understand that when you attackk someone for not liking their views you are taking away THEIR right to free speech... Read the threads you'll see one user attacking anyone that agreed I didn't block till he said he would verbally or physically abuse anyone he wanted if it's warranted.. Disagreeing with someone is not a reason to justify that behavior.,. That is a truly sick person with severe issues... And exactly what this post is about.. Taking your aggressions out on other people is not FREE SPEECH

[JackSmy]

@Brainsbeforebeauty I AM SORRY, but it seems that somehow there has been some misunderstanding, between us, and I think you misunderstood me, and I would NEVER, EVER, purposely say something to offend you, or degrade you.
I don't know this thread you are talking about, and maybe if I saw it, I could better understand what I might have said, that seems to have offended you!

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

What are you taking about? Where did I say you as in YOU? I SAID read the other replies on this post.. Where the one user attacking anyone who agreed to blocked him... Where did I say you offended me. Where did I even say I got offended at all? Why anytime someone responds or disagrees do people think they're offended or triggered?

[JackSmy]

@Brainsbeforebeauty OK, I'm fine being an IDIOT, and misreading, rather than offending a friend!! Text messaging is so messed up, and so confusing, sometimes, and so easy to get crossed lines, and misunderstand!!
I was kind of stressing, like "WTF did I say that made her so mad?"
Good to know it was just crossed posts, and misunderstanding on my side!! :) :)

[FatherJack]

Very good take , I have skin as thick as tank armour , and also know that nearly all the ultra brave keyboard commandos would NEVER have the minerals to say what they type directly to my face in real life. I am politically neutral , as my belief is that all mainstream party politicians worldwide all piss in the same pot , and true choice is an illusion... many friends of mine are demonstrating in London today. I have noticed it is the leftists that preach " tolerance " ... but are often the least truly tolerant of all... they always resort to the personal attacks you have illustrated so well in this post. Idiots everywhere of all persuasions sadly !!

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

I agree with everything you just said.. And I have thick skin too.. But there's kids, teenagers that used this site and the internet too. . Just yesterday right after posting this, I responded to a post I was tagged to by another user. That poster was only 16 but there was one adult female user calling her pathetic, etc. That's not cool for an adult to be bullying teenagers who may not have thick skin online. Disagree, argue, but there's a difference between that and outright verbally attacking someone. And then people tell people what they should do different instead of the people doing that that could just stop. Just like people blame the police or the victims instead of the criminals. It's truly sad and truly sickens me

[AndrewMG]

Good take, one thing I've noticed (and it's especially prevalent in reality TV) is people praising other people because "they speak their mind and will tell you to your face what they think, they call a spade a spade, if they don't like you they'll let you know etc!" and this is promoted as a positive trait. Well F*ck that, tact and being sensitive to other peoples feelings are unappreciated qualities, Freedom of speech is a beautiful gift but like any beautiful gift it should be handled sensitively.

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

You can speak your mind tho and tell it like it is without verbally attacking someone
Example 1: I really can't believe you mixed milk and lager, you should of known better 🤣🤣🤣
Example 2- wtf how f'n stupid are you you're not smart enough to know not to mix lager and milk hope you get sick you deserve it for being so F'n stupid
See first speaking mind but in nice way...
Other just insulting and abusive
DISCLAIMER:I was just making an example not insulting opinion owner 🙂

[honestmind]

@Brainsbeforebeauty: I am the example 1 type of person.
I think it's better to be honest 99% of the time.

And If I feel like my opinion might hurt their feelings then I'll just say it in a nicer/friendlier way

[AndrewMG]

@Brainsbeforebeauty I'm going to be honest I felt more on board with example 2 in that scenario! That seems a relatively calm reaction to a gross act of stupidity by a seemingly normal (and lovely) young man! lol But there's exceptions to every rule (and speaking your mind and saying it as it is, is absolutely fine but not when it's done in an extreme way... so we have a whole host of tabloid columnist in this country who make money by essentially being nasty but justify it by saying "they tell it like it is"... it's that level of nastiness I have a problem with... on the otherhand people mixing milk with lager deserve all the criticism in the world! lol). Like everything in life Context is key.

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

🤣🤣🤣 I'm sure "he" learned his lesson 🤣

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

@honestmind That's good 👍 I can be brutally honest.. But not by swearing or put downs.. you can tell it like it is without calling someone names you can say their behavior was stupid without calling them stupid bleepity bleep bleep.

[kespethdude]

Verbal abuse falls under "defamatory and/or incindiary speech" and is, in fact, NOT protected by the First Amendment. Your rights end when they encroach others. Respect has to be earned. Insert other statement of common sense here.

Some people need to check their privileges.

[kespethdude]

In other words, I agree FULLY with your mytake, good job.

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

THANK YOU!! Some people on here aren't just overly abusive, they obviously don't get what the first amendment actually is and every it protects and what it doesn't...

[Tom1089]

Emigrate, freedom of speech is not a thing everywhere. Unfortunately people feel the need to run others down in life to make themselves feel superior or have dominance over people. Hiding behind anonymous comments is further compounding the fact that you don't stand by what you are saying. Its about being constructive not destructive. And unfortunately people would rather destroy what someone else has acchived than to help them build something better.

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

Thank you!!! You get it!!! Sadly tho not enough do which also shows and explains why society is becoming as messed up as it is... There was a user jumping on anyone who agreed with this take if he was just disagreeing or arguing that point, that's one thing no he started insulting and saying crazy crap. But still didn't block till the said he will verbally or physically abuse Whoever he wants if it's warranted TF see that's a sick person with issues... And yeah I blocked him.. But he's the perfect example of why I did this point.. People have distorted views of what their rights are. Another user stated it perfectly. Your rights stop where another person's starts...

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

*, why I did this post

[Tom1089]

The sad thing is its a vicious circle, dont rise to them. Its usually a psychological reason usually the bullied become the bullies. All you can do is pity them.

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

That can't always be an excuse tho.. If you suffered bring bullied should it make you all the more not do that to someone else? Why out someone elseb through it when you know first-hand how bad it felt for someone to do it to you.. By "you": don't mean YOU lol

[Tom1089]

Its not really an excuse but a reason. They do it to make them feel better about there situation. The internet is a way for people to vent there anger and there frustrations in life. Ignore them and you defeat them.

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

Stop them is the better solution. If we ignore problems, they never get fixed, go away.. We can't keep ignoring abuse, crime, etc..

[Tom1089]

Well im guessing you are in the States.
Where I am you are held accountable for the things you say online. Harassment is punishable by law.

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

Yeah well here apparently we support, excuse criminals and have not sympathy for criminals than victims... Sorry, In just fed up and sick to my soul. There's been 148 shootings in my state this year b and the year ain't even over and actually more now those statics from 2 weeks ago, and out of all those shootings, why is there only ones being protested the ones where a black person shot by police or white people. But what about the other black people being shot or the white people being shot by black people? This has to stop.. Come together regardless of race to fight crime against all innocent people

[Tom1089]

This has long been a bone of contention with me and is off topic so bare with me.
Every life matters no one person should be above another by campaigning for a particular group it makes you seem ignorant to the greater problem.
The greater problem being inequality.
Every life matters regardless or race creed religion or ethnicity. And as soon as people start realising that the better things will get.

[ArrowheadSW]

People claim all sorts of weird things labeled as "freedom of speech" just to justify their own antisocial behavior. There was a guy who worked for the same company as me, several years ago, who was from another country and he had all sorts of anti-American views that he tried to shove down everyone's throat. When people disagreed with him, he said that he "really didn't have freedom of speech" because people disagreed. He was an ass.

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

Sounds like one.. If he was so anti-America why was he here and not just go back to the county he came from then 🤷🏼‍♀️

[ArrowheadSW]

He had his reasons so he said. He was such a huge hypocrite. He said he didn't believe women should be in the workforce. Yet his wife was a full time nurse and he didn't complain about her paycheck coming in. PLUS he said that she did all of the housework and cooking. He was an ass.

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

There was a Mexican guy trying to talk to me that was racist against all black people bad enough cuz I'm not racist nor would I ever date one, but then he was against all Americans, like uh hello... "Oh but you different, you German and Irish" uh hello still American... He was yeah... smh lol

[ArrowheadSW]

There are a lot of people who have no problem screaming racism all the time, but they are openly against caucasian Americans. They don't see the hypocrisy in it.

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

There's a lot of hypocrisy in everything these days 🙁

[purplepoppy]

The problem I have with free speech is to many people try use it to give extra weight to their cause. Because freedom is a part of most western cultures, most noticeably America, adding the term "free speech" is an attempt to make you appear more patriotic and anyone who disagrees less so.

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

Exactly

[Freija1989]

You are contradicting yourself. Once you say if you don ' t believe in the freedom of speech for those you disagree with / who disagree with you, you don ' t believe in it at all, then that insults are not freedom of speech.

Yes, they are and I will tell you why. Because the Supreme Court of US says that. There were people at the funeral of a gay person that aggressively show extreme contempt towards gay people by shouting at the top of their lungs and displaying insulting written messages. The family tried to seek legal penalties for those people, yet the Supreme Court ruled that they were exercising their right to free speech and hate speech also qualifies as free speech as long as it does not explicitly call for violence.

That is sanctified and should stay unchanged. It will stay unchanged and if I want to display contempt I have every legal right to use whatever words and volume ( as long as I don ' t explicitly call for violence ).

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

Where did I say disagree or agree with you can't do that without calling someone a bitch or a cunt or a slut or a fucking retard.. That's not disagreeing that's verbally assualting someone... And uhh that is also against the rules on this site. You can get your point across without trying to stack someone... Should be able to anyways... What ever happened to having manners and a sense of what is right or wrong... And you can say that all you want but I bet you can't talk to your boss or Co workers that way can you nor do you right,,? So why think it's okay to treat talk to anyone that way just because their opinion differs from yours.. I did not contradict myself. Said don't user your rights to take away others rights not to be verbally assualted harassed... Abuse is not a right

[Freija1989]

I have my own business ( I ' m a tattooer ) and yes, I can talk with my employees ( a cashier and a janitor ) whichever way I like, if they don ' t like it they can leave. Same with my clients. They are not giving me free money, they give me money in exchange for a service, that ' s it, end of transaction, " piss the duck out bitch " ( rockers and bikers talk to each other a lot that way more like a way of endearment among friends than an insult ).

And you can very legally disagree with someone AND calling them those names ( it ' s as legal is it gets ). The fact that it affects someone doesn ' t make it illegal. I couldn ' t care less. Again, the Supreme Court ruled that it ' s perfectly legal to shout at the top of your lungs " God hates faggots " at the funeral of a gay person under the First Amendment ( the first and second ones being my favorite by the way ) because it doesn ' t call for violence explicitly ( which probably means you can call for violence implicitly ).

What happened to manners? Manners are NOT required by law. They are optional. If someone tries to stop me from doing something perfectly legal, I will do it especially to spite the said person. Where in the law does it say it ' s illegal to " verbally abuse "if the Supreme Court ruled it ' s perfectly legal to shout " God hates faggots " ?

Infringing on free speech just because you ' re so worried about a little bitch ' s feefees and how he or she might get their delicate butt hurt by words and start saying " triggered triggered " does more harm then good and the road to hell ( North Korea ) is paved with good snow flake rainbow colored intentions.

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

Omg whatever I'm done here read the rules of GAG tho think you need a refresher... Have a good night tho thanks for your "reply"🙂

[Freija1989]

Whatever. GaG ain ' t a state and it can ' t make laws. Even if an account was banned another one can be made and a removed post can be reposted again and again. They can ' t censor as much as I can express myself.

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

Wow real mature... Maybe instead of acting like you know you do know IT IS actually against the law to falsify info on internet... Not that the police will bust your door down for it.. But maybe better educate yourself in the laws and rules... And in some cases people could sue you would hate to see you lose your tattoo business thinking acting tough on the internet is badass 🙂

[Freija1989]

I know leftist punks love to do that, research the identity of " bigots " then try to use public pressure to get them fired, have their franchise withdrawn etc. It ' s an intimidation tactic meant to render the First Amendment useless. What am I to do then? Bow down to terrorists? Those who trade an essential freedom for temporary safety deserve neither. I ' d rather be a lioness than a rat and history fixes everything. Look at George Washington. Britain accused him of high treason. Yet he is the greatest hero of US. Even though to some we may look like we ' re on the wrong side of history, we ' re not, because we ' re fighting for the quintessence of democracy, which is your right to disagree with us ( even violently, like cursing us if you feel like it ).

[kespethdude]

Ironic that the bitch wants to play the "leftist" card when it is HER candidate that wants to outlaw free speech, including tattoos? Note she does NOT get to respond to be because her ass is blocked (I'm exercising my right to not hear hate speech too). I sufggest you do thae same if you haven't already. If her candidate wins, she'll be out on the street anyway... talk about reich wing hypocrisy.

[AD240pCharlie]

It's difficult... If I were to respond to this myTake by calling you an ignorant bitch, then that would certainly be disrespectful and would - under your definition - fall into the area of verbal abuse. You'd have every right to block me, that would not be an infringement on anyone's rights. Freedom of speech only concerns itself with LEGAL matters. The authorities can't punish you for saying something, regardless of whether it's respectful or not.
If I were to actually THREATEN you, however, or try to stalk you, then that would be a crime.
So basically:
"Stupid cunt!" = Verbal abuse but still freedom of speech
"I'm gonna rape you!" = Verbal abuse and NOT freedom of speech.

[The_Other]

Actually I believe that verbal abuse and bullying is still free speech. If people aren't allowed to do that then there's no such thing as "free" speech, and the right term would be "Acceptable Speech / expression" or "Limited Speech / expression".
This isn't me saying I'm pro abuse or bullying though.
Some people can handle it, some can't handle it, that's why sites create certain mechanisms to deal with issues like bullying.

The problem with censoring "verbal abuse and bullying" is that who gets to decide what is and isn't bullying or verbal abuse. Some people are so thin skinned that they would take even the slightest criticism as verbal abuse and bullying, then suddenly we're now really violating real free expression because of people like that.

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

Can you call your boss or coworkers s bitch, cunt, slut, whore, or s fast ugly fucking loser that will never get a woman? Or do that at school? So why would that be acceptable just because it's acceptable. And what measures? Blocking people who just create new accounts or use one of their other fake accounts? Or report only to have the reply removed not the user? And it might not be law, but it is against this site's rules.. And free speech is a right... But abusing or bullying, stalking or harassing is not a right nor should it be

[The_Other]

The issues is not whether or not it's acceptable, the issue is where do you draw the line of what is and isn't acceptable and who gets to define what is and isn't acceptable.

Like I said, there are people out there who would call simple criticism unacceptable, bullying and verbal abuse.

For example, someone thought I was a bully and a "transphobe" for stating that men aren't women and that it is unfair for men to compete in women's sports because men have the physical advantage.

At the end of the day you're just 1 person, people have different opinions about what is and isn't considered bullying or verbal assault.

I was blocked for stating that no human being deserves to burn in hell for all eternity...

Where does it stop?

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

But obviously that's not what I'm talking about...

[The_Other]

It's the ultimate result of what you're talking about, people will ALWAYS find a way to take things too far, including censorship.
So how about we just let people say whatever they want rather than trying to define what is and isn't acceptable because different people have different opinions about what is and isn't acceptable. You don't have to like it, but it's just how the world is.

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

We'll just have to agree to disagree here

[OfDeath]

I think the line should be drawn between attacking ideas and attacking individuals. For example it should be perfectly acceptable to say Islam or Christianity is absolute garbage and state the reason but you shouldn't say YOU are absolute garbage because you're a white male or something like that.

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

Exactly!!!

[8lutty]

I think it is more importance to read the person u are talking with, dont bash the 'that idea is garbage' to person doesn't want to hear it, like going to the church and shout 'Christianity is absolute garbage', one would be pretty garbage in my opinion if doing that.

[OfDeath]

@8lutty Well obviously not. However if they engage you in conversation about their idea which is clear garbage, it shouldn't be off limits to say it. If they get offended, that's good in a way because someone can always change their ideas but they can't change themselves.

[8lutty]

yeah

[jaju45]

We should use freedom of speech responsibly. People don't have arguments or debates now a days.
Internet is full of shit today. Everywhere you will see abuse, verbal diarrhea, trolls etc. I think either the social media shall be governed under the law or comment section shall be disabled at all.

So much of hate in these comments have made me quit most of the social media platforms.

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

EXACTLY! People don't get that by thinking they're exercising their right, they are taking away other's rights to use the internet without dealing with abuse, harassment, stalking, threats. . None of which is the definition of FREE SPEECH

[jaju45]

Can't agree more..
But do you know how to stop this? Or resolve the issue?

[MannMitAntworten]

Like it or not, within the public spectrum “verbal abuse” is not barred by the 1st Amendment. It protects “offensive speech”. It is only limited bu causing physical harm. This has been through the Supreme Court and is protected till causing actual harm. Which yelling fire when there is no fire and someone getting hurt as a result would be considered unprotected speech.

[Brainsbeforebeauty]

I get what your saying.. Didn't say it was..
But it is against the GAG rules to Verbally abuse the users or stalk harass... But people shouldn't think that's acceptable behavior anyway

[MannMitAntworten]

GaG isn’t a public space and stalking is illegal in general. GaG is a space ‘welcomed’ to the general public just as any place online, but is spheres like this it would fall under harassment. Out on a public sidewalk would be a different matter. Online there are remedies to combat this issues through the respective site host and even through legal channels.