As people of the internets, when is it "okay" to give our opinion???
So I've been thinking about this lately.
Lots of times people put their personal life story/situation on the internet (Facebook, Twitter, NintendoAge).
When that happens, does that give people (us) the "right" to comment and give their opinion?
The way I see it, if you are going to broadcast your situation on the internet, you're looking for a response. So, if people tell you exactly how they feel, albeit harsh, then that's just the way it goes.
If you don't want people to comment on your situation, keep it to yourself.
Sometimes the internet can be a harsh place because of 1) somewhat amonynity 2) not much room for context, so "critical" statements are often taken as rude or "harsh".
Examples:
GoFundMe's - These people will ask for money, but they refuse to acknowledge how their own actions affect their situation. Why can't we comment on that and point out the hypocrisy?
I personally think it's "okay" to let these people know what's up. If they were my personal friend, I'd tell them the same thing. Being the internets, when you tell people about your situation, you're inviting a response. They want it to be positive, but we are not always going to agree with everyone in the world.
Does that make the people commenting (me, haha) an asshole? Or does that just make me an honest person for telling someone the "truth"?
If I posted a GFM, I would 100% expect people to get on my case and say stuff like "Hey dummy, what are all those NES tapes you've got laying around? Go trade them for groceries, idiot!"
Also, I understand the way I feel is going to be different than the way other people feel, and that's okay. I'm okay with "agreeing to disagree", but if there are no disagreements, then there's no room for growth. A good argument/discussion isn't a bad thing in my books. I think we can all learn from a good discussion, even from people we disagree with.
That's just an easy one... I'll let the forum add some more examples if you've got some.
NOTE: I don't want to discuss any SPECIFIC examples, as we all know there are a few floating around NA, and the internets as well. I'm not looking for specific examples of who it's okay to say something to, or not. As I'd like to keep the thread a general discussion.
I'd also like to note that when saying things like this to people, it's not cool to be a douche about it. But giving someone rational and intelligent reasons why THEY are being a doucher is okay in my books. Being a complete jerk about it, less so.
Anyone else?
Edited to help clarify:
I'm going to clarify two MAJOR things about my comments:
1) I genuinely hope anyone with medical problems can get the medical attention they need. Whatever healthcare system they're in, I hope they can get help.
2) I think it makes a HUGE difference in WHO sets up the Go Fund Me. If someone sets it up for a friend or family member then that's a completely different story.
Then, whether the bills or expenses are medical, personal, for an injury, a pet's vet visit, much needed car repair, or just hard times, everybody can chip in and help out. It's different if someone else is genuinely trying to help out.
Hell, I'd be willing to help and I think it would be good if lots of people did.
Example.
"Hey everyone, Member X has fallen on hard times (due to illness, and pets vet bills) let's get them some help so they can chill out and save their pet and NES collection!"
I would be 100% on board and donate some of my own personal money. Whether it is $15, $30, $50, or $5.... I'd donate what I could.
Lots of times people put their personal life story/situation on the internet (Facebook, Twitter, NintendoAge).
When that happens, does that give people (us) the "right" to comment and give their opinion?
The way I see it, if you are going to broadcast your situation on the internet, you're looking for a response. So, if people tell you exactly how they feel, albeit harsh, then that's just the way it goes.
If you don't want people to comment on your situation, keep it to yourself.
Sometimes the internet can be a harsh place because of 1) somewhat amonynity 2) not much room for context, so "critical" statements are often taken as rude or "harsh".
Examples:
GoFundMe's - These people will ask for money, but they refuse to acknowledge how their own actions affect their situation. Why can't we comment on that and point out the hypocrisy?
I personally think it's "okay" to let these people know what's up. If they were my personal friend, I'd tell them the same thing. Being the internets, when you tell people about your situation, you're inviting a response. They want it to be positive, but we are not always going to agree with everyone in the world.
Does that make the people commenting (me, haha) an asshole? Or does that just make me an honest person for telling someone the "truth"?
If I posted a GFM, I would 100% expect people to get on my case and say stuff like "Hey dummy, what are all those NES tapes you've got laying around? Go trade them for groceries, idiot!"
Also, I understand the way I feel is going to be different than the way other people feel, and that's okay. I'm okay with "agreeing to disagree", but if there are no disagreements, then there's no room for growth. A good argument/discussion isn't a bad thing in my books. I think we can all learn from a good discussion, even from people we disagree with.
That's just an easy one... I'll let the forum add some more examples if you've got some.
NOTE: I don't want to discuss any SPECIFIC examples, as we all know there are a few floating around NA, and the internets as well. I'm not looking for specific examples of who it's okay to say something to, or not. As I'd like to keep the thread a general discussion.
I'd also like to note that when saying things like this to people, it's not cool to be a douche about it. But giving someone rational and intelligent reasons why THEY are being a doucher is okay in my books. Being a complete jerk about it, less so.
Anyone else?
Edited to help clarify:
I'm going to clarify two MAJOR things about my comments:
1) I genuinely hope anyone with medical problems can get the medical attention they need. Whatever healthcare system they're in, I hope they can get help.
2) I think it makes a HUGE difference in WHO sets up the Go Fund Me. If someone sets it up for a friend or family member then that's a completely different story.
Then, whether the bills or expenses are medical, personal, for an injury, a pet's vet visit, much needed car repair, or just hard times, everybody can chip in and help out. It's different if someone else is genuinely trying to help out.
Hell, I'd be willing to help and I think it would be good if lots of people did.
Example.
"Hey everyone, Member X has fallen on hard times (due to illness, and pets vet bills) let's get them some help so they can chill out and save their pet and NES collection!"
I would be 100% on board and donate some of my own personal money. Whether it is $15, $30, $50, or $5.... I'd donate what I could.
Comments
Like a forum post explaining your situation is like an invitation for people to comment. The forum is a community space and your reaching out to it.
Facebook, and Twitter are personal pages. Unless the post specifically asks for input I'd assume it's just someone venting in their own space. GoFundMe's not a discussion site. I'd either silently choose to donate or not. Unless the poster is a personal friend or relative I don't think it's my place to bitch about their page. Unless they're like extremely ridiculous. Then all bets are off.
I feel basically the same. Once it's on a public forum of any sort (Facebook, Reddit, here, anywhere) it's public domain, and subject to scrutiny. If you don't want people judging your thoughts and feelings, don't put them out to the world. There are plenty of private options like LiveJournal, stuff like that, where you could use them for a private personal way of getting your thoughts and feelings out, without sharing them to the world.
Well said.
I think the difference is when you go to someone's space and when they come to yours.
Like a forum post explaining your situation is like an invitation for people to comment. The forum is a community space and your reaching out to it.
Facebook, and Twitter are personal pages. Unless the post specifically asks for input I'd assume it's just someone venting in their own space. GoFundMe's not a discussion site. I'd either silently choose to donate or not. Unless the poster is a personal friend or relative I don't think it's my place to bitch about their page. Unless they're like extremely ridiculous. Then all bets are off.
You make good points Daria, and I respect your input.
Agree 100% with the bolded
(Just figured I'd respond to that now, in case there's way more responses)
I feel basically the same. Once it's on a public forum of any sort (Facebook, Reddit, here, anywhere) it's public domain, and subject to scrutiny. If you don't want people judging your thoughts and feelings, don't put them out to the world. There are plenty of private options like LiveJournal, stuff like that, where you could use them for a private personal way of getting your thoughts and feelings out, without sharing them to the world.
Well said.
I think the difference is when you go to someone's space and when they come to yours.
Like a forum post explaining your situation is like an invitation for people to comment. The forum is a community space and your reaching out to it.
Facebook, and Twitter are personal pages. Unless the post specifically asks for input I'd assume it's just someone venting in their own space. GoFundMe's not a discussion site. I'd either silently choose to donate or not. Unless the poster is a personal friend or relative I don't think it's my place to bitch about their page. Unless they're like extremely ridiculous. Then all bets are off.
You make good points Daria, and I respect your input.
Agree 100% with the bolded
(Just figured I'd respond to that now, in case there's way more responses)
Yeah. I mean all that said the internet is not private - so if you post something truly despicable or stupid then you're subject to the consequences. Which is usally people making fun of you. But if you're worried about staying friends with someone or just not coming off as an ass in general they're good rules of thumb.
While I see Daria's point, there's a reason stuff like this exists:
Well said, once again.
Yeah. I mean all that said the internet is not private - so if you post something truly despicable or stupid then you're subject to the consequences. Which is usally people making fun of you. But if you're worried about staying friends with someone or just not coming off as an ass in general they're good rules of thumb.
No doubt, no doubt.
As you might know... I'm not really concerned with coming off as an ass.
On a related side note,I do think people overall need to have thicker skin and not let nasty comments get to them. Doing so empowers the nasty commenters so just ignore them and take that power away.
Dont like it, keep it to yourself, or only make friends with bozos that agree with everything you say.
Part of why I stopped using Facebook was because someone would make an uneducated comment, i'd argue it, and they'd bitch that I was always had to start a fight.
Sorry but if things have gotten to the point where you are asking anyone that can read it and reply for answers, you have to deal with the negative that comes with it. I hate it, I really do, but that seems to be the case. Some people like to bitch and complain for fun. Not true friends. Stick to asking them.
You put it out there to the public,it's fair game. If you don't like it just simply do not do it.
On a related side note,I do think people overall need to have thicker skin and not let nasty comments get to them. Doing so empowers the nasty commenters so just ignore them and take that power away.
Or make them rue the day they ever decided to fuck with you.
As you might know... I'm not really concerned with coming off as an ass.
That's good, because ... well...
Even hate speech is okay. There's no exception to the first amendment when giving hate speech simply because it's still an idea, expression, or a subjective opinion.
Of course, that's not to say words don't have consequence as you could still get in deep doo-doo if you said something that was considered a calumny of some sort. All things considered, posting something publicly doesn't mean it's your personal private diary, and you're not immune to any criticisms or words that come your way because of it.
Even now, I'm open to some talk-back because the nature of a PUBLIC forum. I hesitantly await someone who disagrees with me and has some defamatory statements of their own toward me as a result. lol
So I've been thinking about this lately.
Lots of times people put their personal life story/situation on the internet (Facebook, Twitter, NintendoAge).
When that happens, does that give people (us) the "right" to comment and give their opinion?
It's a public platform, so yes. Someone's offense to people commenting becomes irrelevant in that case. I'd most likely delete someone from my Facebook if they legitimately suggested otherwise.
As someone who's always been for the first amendment, I say that it's always okay.
Even hate speech is okay. There's no exception to the first amendment when giving hate speech simply because it's still an idea, expression, or a subjective opinion.
Of course, that's not to say words don't have consequence as you could still get in deep doo-doo if you said something that was considered a calumny of some sort. All things considered, posting something publicly doesn't mean it's your personal private diary, and you're not immune to any criticisms or words that come your way because of it.
Even now, I'm open to some talk-back because the nature of a PUBLIC forum. I hesitantly await someone who disagrees with me and has some defamatory statements of their own toward me as a result. lol
First Amendment doesn't apply to anything but government. You know that, right?
I mean, I agree with a more universal approach to the maxim, but...
Part of why I stopped using Facebook was because someone would make an uneducated comment, i'd argue it, and they'd bitch that I was always had to start a fight.
Stop hanging out with idiots.
Part of why I stopped using Facebook was because someone would make an uneducated comment, i'd argue it, and they'd bitch that I was always had to start a fight.
Stop hanging out with idiots.
Quitting Facebook was the better route.
Part of why I stopped using Facebook was because someone would make an uneducated comment, i'd argue it, and they'd bitch that I was always had to start a fight.
Stop hanging out with idiots.
Quitting Facebook was the better route.
I like Facebook, but I don't blame you for quitting. I just couldn't hang around people who are that entitled and dumb.
Part of why I stopped using Facebook was because someone would make an uneducated comment, i'd argue it, and they'd bitch that I was always had to start a fight.
Stop hanging out with idiots.
Quitting Facebook was the better route.
There is a big misconception these days that social media is somehow a required, natural, and positive part of life. I am an early adopter of just about every major one. Today, I don't use any. Typically, I feel they are pointless and a waste of time eventually, so I leave.
Some, I haven't used in many years now. However, I still encounter friends, family, and others who describe things to me that make me wonder why they keep using these sites. Stress, negative feelings, precisely the kinds of things you would imagine that no one would willfully expose themselves
to, yet they choose to.
There's a very strange social complex surrounding the use of social media these days. In many cases, I think people would be healthier if they removed themselves from those environments.
Part of why I stopped using Facebook was because someone would make an uneducated comment, i'd argue it, and they'd bitch that I was always had to start a fight.
Stop hanging out with idiots.
Quitting Facebook was the better route.
There is a big misconception these days that social media is somehow a required, natural, and positive part of life. I am an early adopter of just about every major one. Today, I don't use any. Typically, I feel they are pointless and a waste of time eventually, so I leave.
Some, I haven't used in many years now. However, I still encounter friends, family, and others who describe things to me that make me wonder why they keep using these sites. Stress, negative feelings, precisely the kinds of things you would imagine that no one would willfully expose themselves
to, yet they choose to.
There's a very strange social complex surrounding the use of social media these days. In many cases, I think people would be healthier if they removed themselves from those environments.
Yup, it's just like everyone being glued to their phones. Texting, talking, whatever else. I can't remember the last time I sat and talked with someone without them pulling out their phone at some point.
Part of why I stopped using Facebook was because someone would make an uneducated comment, i'd argue it, and they'd bitch that I was always had to start a fight.
Stop hanging out with idiots.
Quitting Facebook was the better route.
There is a big misconception these days that social media is somehow a required, natural, and positive part of life. I am an early adopter of just about every major one. Today, I don't use any. Typically, I feel they are pointless and a waste of time eventually, so I leave.
Some, I haven't used in many years now. However, I still encounter friends, family, and others who describe things to me that make me wonder why they keep using these sites. Stress, negative feelings, precisely the kinds of things you would imagine that no one would willfully expose themselves
to, yet they choose to.
There's a very strange social complex surrounding the use of social media these days. In many cases, I think people would be healthier if they removed themselves from those environments.
Any negativities you speak of aren't inherent to social media; they can be found in real life, too. I also wouldn't call them stressors, either, at least to me they're not. But I dunno. In my head, I typically picture stress as something that has a significant affect on your daily life. I don't think I've known anyone ever that got stressed out from social media quite like that; I'd question the sanity of anyone who did.
Part of why I stopped using Facebook was because someone would make an uneducated comment, i'd argue it, and they'd bitch that I was always had to start a fight.
Stop hanging out with idiots.
Quitting Facebook was the better route.
There is a big misconception these days that social media is somehow a required, natural, and positive part of life. I am an early adopter of just about every major one. Today, I don't use any. Typically, I feel they are pointless and a waste of time eventually, so I leave.
Some, I haven't used in many years now. However, I still encounter friends, family, and others who describe things to me that make me wonder why they keep using these sites. Stress, negative feelings, precisely the kinds of things you would imagine that no one would willfully expose themselves
to, yet they choose to.
There's a very strange social complex surrounding the use of social media these days. In many cases, I think people would be healthier if they removed themselves from those environments.
Yup, it's just like everyone being glued to their phones. Texting, talking, whatever else. I can't remember the last time I sat and talked with someone without them pulling out their phone at some point.
I hate people who do that. I try to make a habit of minimizing phone exposure when I'm out in public or with my friends. It just seems rude to randomly pull out your phone when you're supposed to be enjoying other people's company.
As someone who's always been for the first amendment, I say that it's always okay.
Even hate speech is okay. There's no exception to the first amendment when giving hate speech simply because it's still an idea, expression, or a subjective opinion.
Of course, that's not to say words don't have consequence as you could still get in deep doo-doo if you said something that was considered a calumny of some sort. All things considered, posting something publicly doesn't mean it's your personal private diary, and you're not immune to any criticisms or words that come your way because of it.
Even now, I'm open to some talk-back because the nature of a PUBLIC forum. I hesitantly await someone who disagrees with me and has some defamatory statements of their own toward me as a result. lol
First Amendment doesn't apply to anything but government. You know that, right?
I mean, I agree with a more universal approach to the maxim, but...
What do you mean? If the government has control of a law, it's not a "right" but rather a license or a priviege.
First Amendment guarantees any person's right. I mean, yeah if you work for the government, you do have the same rights as a person, becuse that person is still a person.
Some may not agree, but I don't look at the first amendment as some sort of tenet, but rather an acknowledgement of our God-given unalienable human right to say what ever opinion we may have, with NO governemnt control what-so-ever. If the government wants to inject an opinion, that's fine. But if they want to control or have it apply only to them, then that's not what that amendment stands for.
Part of why I stopped using Facebook was because someone would make an uneducated comment, i'd argue it, and they'd bitch that I was always had to start a fight.
Stop hanging out with idiots.
Quitting Facebook was the better route.
There is a big misconception these days that social media is somehow a required, natural, and positive part of life. I am an early adopter of just about every major one. Today, I don't use any. Typically, I feel they are pointless and a waste of time eventually, so I leave.
Some, I haven't used in many years now. However, I still encounter friends, family, and others who describe things to me that make me wonder why they keep using these sites. Stress, negative feelings, precisely the kinds of things you would imagine that no one would willfully expose themselves
to, yet they choose to.
There's a very strange social complex surrounding the use of social media these days. In many cases, I think people would be healthier if they removed themselves from those environments.
Yup, it's just like everyone being glued to their phones. Texting, talking, whatever else. I can't remember the last time I sat and talked with someone without them pulling out their phone at some point.
I hate people who do that. I try to make a habit of minimizing phone exposure when I'm out in public or with my friends. It just seems rude to randomly pull out your phone when you're supposed to be enjoying other people's company.
Yeah... People with their Facebook comments get unfriended pretty quick. Don't blame you for leaving it empire.
Much agreed about being people who are "glued to your phone". It's crazy. My brother is pretty bad, I'm pretty bad about it too. I try to catch myself when I do it and shame myself in my own head.
As you might know... I'm not really concerned with coming off as an ass.
That's good, because ... well...
I don't get it....
Jokes. I can handle that, haha.
I think we (Tulpa) have disagreed on something... but I forget what? Maybe not, I think Tulpa is cool beans. See... that's part of my point. People can disagree and be cool with eachother.
But yeah... good talk all around.
Years ago, the internet worked best as a hate / catharsis machine with everyone wearing funny avatar masks, so little harm was done. I think most of the problems came about when people started uploading real faces / real life on here without expecting the ego-bruising which can go along with that. Btw, my first impression of GoFundMe's was that they were a bunch of beggars; it shows that people will do anything to make life easier for themselves and lessen the risks (a.k.a. coddling)
^accurate.
To add to this thread: First-ammendment rights are important. I'm glad we have the ability to express any ideas we wish, where we wish. We can debate and learn from one another. We do need to understand our (sometimes insensitive) words can cause grief at inappropriate times, such as just after someone died. Likewise, our thoughts and words can get us fired from our jobs. For instance if you're a disgruntled employee, you brought your termination upon yourself if you start bitching about it on Facebook. You can even speak out for a violent religion you follow, but you also need to understand that people by and large may become afraid of you, and probably don't want to be sacrificed to your god.
What we need to watch out for is the thought police - when the government or the media is trying to get us all to sing the exact same song, that's not necessarily good thing. If there's a witch-hunt for people who don't agree with the narrative being pushed by celebrities and politicians, reinforced by the messages found in movies and music, that's an affront on our freedom of speech. There's the illusion of free speech to the followers ... but once you go against the grain, watch out. Even schools these days have a, "It's okay to think this, but not okay to think that" mentality on many topics. I think it's stifling and dangerous to only give platforms to one point of view and never give platforms to the other. Freedom of speech starts losing its meaning when you only want confirmation bias -- you're no longer willing to listen and no longer willing to discuss.
That's why the freedom we have on the internet is very important. I'm sure one day in our lifetime, our internet rights and freedoms will slowly fade away. Think about the topic of net neutrality and why it's so important. Maybe one day Facebook decides to hand-pick all its news. Maybe another day, Google changes its search algorithm ever-so-slightly to favor one opinion over another. They keep nudging the rock in that direction. It's the kind of thing we may not notice until it's too late.
As someone who's always been for the first amendment, I say that it's always okay.
Even hate speech is okay. There's no exception to the first amendment when giving hate speech simply because it's still an idea, expression, or a subjective opinion.
Of course, that's not to say words don't have consequence as you could still get in deep doo-doo if you said something that was considered a calumny of some sort. All things considered, posting something publicly doesn't mean it's your personal private diary, and you're not immune to any criticisms or words that come your way because of it.
Even now, I'm open to some talk-back because the nature of a PUBLIC forum. I hesitantly await someone who disagrees with me and has some defamatory statements of their own toward me as a result. lol
First Amendment doesn't apply to anything but government. You know that, right?
I mean, I agree with a more universal approach to the maxim, but...
What do you mean? If the government has control of a law, it's not a "right" but rather a license or a priviege.
First Amendment guarantees any person's right. I mean, yeah if you work for the government, you do have the same rights as a person, becuse that person is still a person.
Some may not agree, but I don't look at the first amendment as some sort of tenet, but rather an acknowledgement of our God-given unalienable human right to say what ever opinion we may have, with NO governemnt control what-so-ever. If the government wants to inject an opinion, that's fine. But if they want to control or have it apply only to them, then that's not what that amendment stands for.
You misunderstood me. I agree with what you said, but it sounded like you were trying to apply the First Amendment in an across-the-board kind of way. All the First Amendment means is that the government can't inhibit you speaking out against them. It doesn't mean you can go around and be a polemic everywhere you please. Private entities and even individuals, for example, certainly retain the right to squelch dissent. I'd dislike anyone who did, but that's how it is. Freedom of speech doesn't mean freedom from consequences.
Years ago, the internet worked best as a hate / catharsis machine with everyone wearing funny avatar masks, so little harm was done. I think most of the problems came about when people started uploading real faces / real life on here without expecting the ego-bruising which can go along with that. Btw, my first impression of GoFundMe's was that they were a bunch of beggars; it shows that people will do anything to make life easier for themselves and lessen the risks (a.k.a. coddling)
^accurate.
To add to this thread: First-ammendment rights are important. I'm glad we have the ability to express any ideas we wish, where we wish. We can debate and learn from one another. We do need to understand our (sometimes insensitive) words can cause grief at inappropriate times, such as just after someone died. Likewise, our thoughts and words can get us fired from our jobs. For instance if you're a disgruntled employee, you brought your termination upon yourself if you start bitching about it on Facebook. You can even speak out for a violent religion you follow, but you also need to understand that people by and large may become afraid of you, and probably don't want to be sacrificed to your god.
What we need to watch out for is the thought police - when the government or the media is trying to get us all to sing the exact same song, that's not necessarily good thing. If there's a witch-hunt for people who don't agree with the narrative being pushed by celebrities and politicians, reinforced by the messages found in movies and music, that's an affront on our freedom of speech. There's the illusion of free speech to the followers ... but once you go against the grain, watch out. Even schools these days have a, "It's okay to think this, but not okay to think that" mentality on many topics. I think it's stifling and dangerous to only give platforms to one point of view and never give platforms to the other. Freedom of speech starts losing its meaning when you only want confirmation bias -- you're no longer willing to listen and no longer willing to discuss.
That's why the freedom we have on the internet is very important. I'm sure one day in our lifetime, our internet rights and freedoms will slowly fade away. Think about the topic of net neutrality and why it's so important. Maybe one day Facebook decides to hand-pick all its news. Maybe another day, Google changes its search algorithm ever-so-slightly to favor one opinion over another. They keep nudging the rock in that direction. It's the kind of thing we may not notice until it's too late.
Humans being insular isn't really limited to schools, though; I also wouldn't call it a violation of free speech or whatever. People as a whole just feel threatened by people who deviate from the status quo. This is why change is always hard to enact on a systematic level.
As someone who's always been for the first amendment, I say that it's always okay.
Even hate speech is okay. There's no exception to the first amendment when giving hate speech simply because it's still an idea, expression, or a subjective opinion.
Of course, that's not to say words don't have consequence as you could still get in deep doo-doo if you said something that was considered a calumny of some sort. All things considered, posting something publicly doesn't mean it's your personal private diary, and you're not immune to any criticisms or words that come your way because of it.
Even now, I'm open to some talk-back because the nature of a PUBLIC forum. I hesitantly await someone who disagrees with me and has some defamatory statements of their own toward me as a result. lol
First Amendment doesn't apply to anything but government. You know that, right?
I mean, I agree with a more universal approach to the maxim, but...
What do you mean? If the government has control of a law, it's not a "right" but rather a license or a priviege.
First Amendment guarantees any person's right. I mean, yeah if you work for the government, you do have the same rights as a person, becuse that person is still a person.
Some may not agree, but I don't look at the first amendment as some sort of tenet, but rather an acknowledgement of our God-given unalienable human right to say what ever opinion we may have, with NO governemnt control what-so-ever. If the government wants to inject an opinion, that's fine. But if they want to control or have it apply only to them, then that's not what that amendment stands for.
You misunderstood me. I agree with what you said, but it sounded like you were trying to apply the First Amendment in an across-the-board kind of way. All the First Amendment means is that the government can't inhibit you speaking out against them. It doesn't mean you can go around and be a polemic everywhere you please. Private entities and even individuals, for example, certainly retain the right to squelch dissent. I'd dislike anyone who did, but that's how it is. Freedom of speech doesn't mean freedom from consequences.
Ohhhhhh... okay, yeah I totally misunderstood you for sure. lol Sorry 'bout that.
And yeah, I agree-- (I think we're on the same page here then) my third paragraph stated the part about consequences, but I didn't expound upon it in greater detail. I feel that even though you have a right, you also have a responsibility for your actions, physical or verbal.
Like with the WBC, totally within their right to protest... but at a funeral? Didn't sit well with me. Didn't sit well with most people tbh. Even though it's legal to express one's opinion (No matter how harsh), there's still a time and place for everything.
If a person doesn't want to be critiqued by the public, there are more than enough avenues to discuss matters in a private manner where public critique is not socially acceptable.
If you don't want your neighbors to complain about your dirty laundry, it's best not to light it on fire in your front yard and run circles around it.