[Three of Seven]

In our current day and age, people express a multitude of views online, some speaking out against historical names and symbols still being used, or banning people from publicly speaking. These views often having an impact outside of the internet world and turning into full protests.

My question is, should we be censoring the views of others because we don't like their message or their opinions, or should people be allowed to air all their thoughts in open and have it debated?

[Sysil]

I've always been of the opinion that, with the only exception of life threatening speech (yelling "FIRE!" in a cinema which can cause panic and injury), speech should never be censored.

You can ridicule, parody and call out someone about his opinions but you never block him from expressing it.

I know my opinion goes against the tendency to coddle people with 'safe zones' where only 'correct' opinions are allowed, but as a liberal it goes against my beliefs to censor free speech.

[Stormy]

As most of you know I can expound an opinion with the best of them...but in this case I will not. Sysil has stated my belief very well so I will just say +1.

[Keenan]

The only censorship I believe in would be imposed by the person themselves. That is to think before they speak or post something. The current challange we face today are those that hide behind a keyboard and troll or criticize others that are willing to put their face out there and express their opinions.

Having a government or corporate entity censoring peoples' opinions is not the right way. The best solution would be for them (government/ corporations) to teach people how to express themselves in a civilized manner, and bring back common sense.

As a volunteer I have worked many protests, and as long as they are peaceful can send a strong message.
A good example is how our attitude towards those serving in our armed forces.

In conclusion, though I live in a country where many people have fought and died for our freedom of speech (and taken for granted. If they only knew we'd be more concerned about the Kardashians, then who's running for President. ).
I cannot imagine what it is like for those who are not able to speak out for fear of persecution. Hopefully they can find ways to overcome that obstacle and gain their freedom of speech.

[Bryce]

To me, everyone has a right to say what ever they want, no matter how much I or other people may disagree with such an ideology.
Its when people start to act upon such an Ideology that threatens an individuals freedom is when it becomes out of line.

However, I cant stand those who believe that everything needs "Trigger Warnings" and "Safe Spaces" should be mandatory, that individuals should "Identity" themselves based on their race, religion, gender and sexual orientation. I find this very damaging to free speech and to society.

[aceman67]

However, I can't stand those who believe that everything needs "Trigger Warnings" and "Safe Spaces" should be mandatory.

I wholeheartedly disagree with that being mandatory as well, primarily because a person's mental health is not the responsibility of others (with the exception of a Minor, then it is the responsibility of the Guardian). It is the responsibility of the individual in question.

If your mental state is in such a way that the sight of something is detrimental to your mental well-being, then you should be seeking professional assistance for that issue. You cannot expect, nor can you force a third party to comply with your own issues, especially if you do not know them personally. It is your responsibility to avoid things that offend you or trigger emotional/mental states.

And personally, I think we can all take a page from Warner Brothers on the issue of censorship.

[Three of Seven]

However, I cant stand those who believe that everything needs "Trigger Warnings" and "Safe Spaces" should be mandatory, that individuals should "Identity" themselves based on their race, religion, gender and sexual orientation. I find this very damaging to free speech and to society.

Interesting thing about trigger warnings is that they existed long before they started to become misused. Originally, they were used by mental health discussion sites, where someone is talking about a bad experience, which could trigger an episode for some reading the story, it was a safeguard. Now it's just misused, most discussion sites shouldn't have to worry about triggers, it's an individuals own responsibility to check the website they are going to. Words and practices like that should stay with therapeutic groups in my opinion.

And personally, I think we can all take a page from Warner Brothers on the issue of censorship.

It may work for some people to see a token apology put up, but I don't personally see the need, it is good that they didn't go back and edit content just because it upset people though. There are more important things in the world to worry about than the name of a building, historical cartoons and old toys.

It's also not liberal or progressive to demand changes to history because it offends something you identify with. I hold the same view with swearing, you are allowed to be offended and have an opinion, those who want to ban the things that offended them seem to be too scared to actually have a debate on it. Also the ignorance of some of the protesters, who don't even know the history.

I disagree with many opinions, holding many left wing views myself, anyone centre or to the right I will probably disagree with! But that's fine, debate is good, talking things over leads to progress, not banning it or getting rid of it.

[Bryan]

Tigger Warnings, Safe Spaces, Micro Agressions. All this stuff is designed to suppress free speech to the point where only the feelings (or imagined feelings) of the wannabe offended counts. Rational discussion is not allowed anymore because it might be triggering. Words like racist or mysoginist are thrown around like candy on Helloween, to the point where they become meaningless. Real issues have been hijacked by some narcisist and sociopaths who disguise as the so called Social Justice Warriors. But in fact they are just getting a kick out of it by impoing their will upon others, some of them doing the very same stuff which the perceive as trigger.
Free speech is the best defense against any kind of tyranny and is one of the most basic human rights in a modern society. A right for which I would be willing to fight for, not only behind a keyboard....