The Mudcat Café TM
Thread #34379   Message #465767
Posted By: Whistle Stop
18-May-01 - 03:13 PM
Thread Name: Preserve Politically Incorrect Songs???
Subject: RE: Preserve Politically Incorrect Songs???
Well, I have certainly heard that argument before, Peter, but I respectfully disagree. Here in the US, it has long been recognized that there ARE limits to free speech, such as the oft-cited example of yelling "Fire!" in a crowded theater. I recognize that many people feel that any attempt to limit expression is just the first step on the road to totalitarianism, but I do not share that view. There are practical constraints that societies can and do impose, so that one person's freedom does not end up restricting another's. It will always be difficult to decide where to draw that line. But to assume that, because it is difficult, it should not be done, is -- in my most humble opinion -- a cop-out.