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There are many valid arguments about why we should protect free speech and support it. In principle, free speech is a great idea. We live in one universe, and everyone probably gets one life, so why should we restrict what people say? Should we have the power to stop anyone from saying what they want to say?
In this article, I'm neither going to argue against free speech or defend it. I'm simply stating 5 things to consider concerning free speech. These considerations are going to be a bit tilted against free speech - but they are considerations and that is all I'm providing. I'm not asking you to take any sides.
Is it good in work environments?
If everyone could say what they wanted without consequence, would it lead to more productivity in work places? If I could just call my work colleagues names when upset or angry, how would that help my employer and employees? If I disrespect people, how would that help me? Isn't it more likely that respectful communication (not the use of foul language and outrageous generalisations) will motivate people more and encourage them to listen to suggestions?
And let's say we're attracted to someone and say bluntly what's on our minds... How would that make the person we're attracted to (in the work place) feel, if they don't see us in the same way? It would make things pretty uncomfortable for them, wouldn't it?
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Should doctors be allowed to say what they want?
It is your doctor's duty to provide you with the best possible care and best advice. If they could just recommend anything to you (like homeopathy), would that be safe? Okay, you could say that every person should do their own research, however, if a doctor's word can't be taken seriously, then should they be given large salaries by taxpayers?
And in life we can't all be experts at everything... It's impossible. We need to be able to trust people such as doctors - especially if their salaries are subsidised by taxpayers. I just don't see a way for them to have free speech - especially in a professional environment.
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Should finance consultants be able to say what they want?
You've saved money your entire life and you're about to go into retirement. You need quality advice to ensure you'll have enough money to feed yourself and keep a roof over your head until the day you die. You're relying on a finance expert to give you sound advice for the years ahead. The expert has all the certifications and everything, but because of free speech they can recommend you put your money into an investment scam - whereby you'll end up losing everything you've worked so hard for. Do you think that would be right? Should there be no consequences for the financial consultant who has been accredited by a financial authority? Is free speech more important than your well being?
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Should governments be able to get away with lying?
Imagine if governments could just say anything for the sake of protecting the economy. Imagine if they could tell people that smoking did no harm or that certain drugs which aren't safe to use - are nothing to worry about? Imagine if there was no accountability and you could be sold propaganda and lies, from a very young age, without any consequence? The people 'in the know' would benefit, but what if you weren't as privileged? Is that what we'd really want?
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Are social networks really doing a bad thing by deplatforming publishers that misinform the public?
There's been a lot of talk lately about Youtube and its decisions to deplatform certain publishers. These sites have a lot of power and monopolies over internet traffic. Should they have a right to just delete publishers they don't really want to listen to, and those that they believe are misinforming the public?
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The thing people need to recognise is that sites like Youtube are not beyond the reach of the law. Google has employees it needs to protect and just like governments - they cannot indulge in the spread of misinformation. They are accountable to the public. The fact that they have monopolies puts an intense spotlight on them. Their large profits makes them even greater targets for lawsuits.
If you were the CEO of a company (that manages Youtube), in that sort of position, would you just ignore misinformation and the threat of lawsuits? If it was your job to ensure the company you're working for is profitable and provides jobs for many years to come, would you not do what's in the best interests of employees?
These are just 5 things we need to consider when defending free speech or talking about it. Yes, it's horrible not being able to say exactly what we want. We probably get one life and that's it. What if though, there were no consequences for what we say? Would it really benefit us? Would it benefit the people around us?
I like the idea of free speech. I've defended it many times, but the other day I stopped to think about what I was defending, and it kind of became clear to me that maybe it's impossible to have total free speech. In an ideal world it could be applicable, but the world is far from ideal.
I hope that this article has been enlightening and has made you consider your views about free speech, whatever your persuasion. I'm just asking questions and leaving them out there for further discussion and for all of us to have better futures.
Feel free to leave your feedback and comments below, and like and share so that we can debate about one of the most important topics this decade.
Article written by Tiago Hands: https://www.instagram.com/tiago_hands/
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