Freedom Of Speech Does Not Mean Without Consequences
One of the great things about living in the United States is you have the right to freedom of speech. Short of threatening the President, you can pretty much say whatever you want (no matter how absurd it is). But that doesn’t mean there may not be repercussions to your words.
Last year Paula Deen denied making racist jokes, but she did acknowledge using the “N” word according to a deposition in a lawsuit filed against her and her brother for sexual and racial harassment.
Her defense: It was a different time. Her company issued a statement that said in part “[Deen] was born 60 years ago when America’s south had schools that were segregated, different bathrooms, different restaurants and Americans rode in different parts of the bus. This is not today.”
The Food Network, which previously aired three shows featuring Deen, issued a statement saying, “Food Network does not tolerate any form of discrimination and is a strong proponent of diversity and inclusion.” Deen was then dropped from the network, CNN reported.
Cue the free speech police, or the Paula Deen fans who went ballistic for cancelling her show.
I appreciate the first amendment as much as, or more than the next guy. Free speech does not mean free speech without consequences.
If I worked at a Verizon store selling cell phone service, home phone service, and internet, I would probably be selling Verizon products as best I can. If a customer comes in and I say something like “Go to AT&T across the street, they have better products and prices,” I’m pretty sure Verizon would not like that and deservedly out the door I go and make sure the door doesn’t hit me on the fanny on the way out.
Phil Robertson, the Duck Dynasty patriarch who gave an interview to GQ magazine saying, “It seems like, to me, a vagina — as a man — would be more desirable than a man’s anus. That’s just me. I’m just thinking: There’s more there! She’s got more to offer. I mean, come on, dudes! You know what I’m saying? But hey, sin: It’s not logical, my man. It’s just not logical.”
Phil, as a straight man I completely agree with your thoughts about women. However, the network that airs your show did not like it and suspended you.
Louisiana (where the show is filmed) Governor Bobby Jindal criticized A&E’s reaction saying, “The politically correct crowd is tolerant of all viewpoints, except those they disagree with.”
Former Vice-Presidential candidate Sarah Palin said, “Free speech is an endangered species: Those ‘intolerants’ hatin’ on ‘Duck Dynasty’ patriarch for voicing personal opinion take on us all.”
No, Mrs. half-term quitter governor, he exercised every bit of his free speech rights, and his employer exercised their option to suspend him.
[Image via salon.com]
