In today’s edition of the UW’s ‘The Daily’, writer Jenna Snavely, writing on the topic of the Mohammed cartoons, asks if there is “Too Much Freedom?”. Then after eleven paragraphs of hand-wringing decides that yes, there is.
Free speech is something America and Europe must always preserve, but tolerance is imperative to the cohesiveness of any society. And when free speech breaches tolerance, society will undoubtedly suffer.
As such, when sensitive issues such as religion arise, tolerance should prevail. Yes, we should censor ourselves in order to keep the peace — otherwise, hatred and resentment ensue.
As Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman told the press, “Freedoms should be accompanied by responsibility.”
Just what in the hell are they teaching at universities these days that taking advice from Iran is reasonable!?! Freedoms do come with responsibilities. It is my responsibility to not trample on the rights of others in the persuit of my own. It is not my responsibility to worry about offending some fanatic in the free exercise of my own personal rights.
No one has the right to empathy from anyone else. Those who are pissed off about the cartoons do not have the right to demand squat from the either the people who penned them, the people who published them or the people who read them.
And that is the differentiation that Ms. Snavely doesn’t seem to be able to get, even after she second guesses herself for eleven paragraphs.Â
What is even more mind numbing is that if you just turn the page of the ‘The Daily’ you’ll find this article,
‘Tunnel of Oppression’ sheds light on prejudices
Large signs with statements, such as “No tears for queers” and “Thank God for AIDS,” were featured in the homophobia display while “Welcome to America, now speak English” was written on the wall of the linguistics oppression room.
Other exhibits incorporated multimedia presentations including the white privilege room, which played the 2005 film Crash.
The “White Privilege Room”? “Linguistic Oppression”? WTF!!!
Talk about your ‘Liberal Arts’. Maybe Meghan Peters should follow Ms. Snavely’s advice and and not write articles that offend my objective sensibilities.
Oh wait, they don’t have to worry about me rioting or cutting people’s heads off, so I guess it is OK to offend me?
Oh maaaan! I have to put the heap of garbage out at the front this week or the house won’t be livable. Great job you guys!