In today’s world, there are many topics of intense discussion and debate. These topics range from the current unstable environment throughout the Middle East, the effects of climate change and how to control it, and to this country’s very own national debt. It does not seem to matter what news program you turn on, but there is a current hot topic being discussed. There is one topic that has been striking up heated debates and banter, perhaps longer than any of these. While not often at the top of the list, it has been there in the background burning the longest. This is the topic of Censorship, and whether or not certain objects in society should be censored. Fueling the argument of censorship is the determination of the line for what is considered
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Freedom of speech can be expressed in multiple ways including actions an individual takes or through the words that they speak. In one of his essays, Journalist Roger Rosenblatt states “Everyone loves free expression as long as it isn’t exercised” (2013, p. 501). Throughout his essay, Rosenblatt gives examples of freedom of expression and the inconsistencies of what is considered acceptable displays of this freedom. Rosenblatt references how when an NBA player quietly protested the United States’ actions by refusing to stand for the national anthem before a game, he was punished by the league (2013). Conversely when former Atlanta Braves pitcher John Rocker sounded off about not wanting to ride the New York subway with “single moms, queers, and illegal aliens” (2013, p. 502), the MLB did nothing about. The quiet act of refusing to stand would have gone unnoticed by most, but Rocker’s comments were heard by and offended many, however no punishment was given. Rosenblatt’s examples illustrate well the inconsistencies of what is considered freedom of expression and how everybody loves it until someone does or says something they do not agree with. One thing is certain what is considered free expression, will continue to drive the defense for what can be
Freedom of speech can be expressed in multiple ways including actions an individual takes or through the words that they speak. In one of his essays, Journalist Roger Rosenblatt states “Everyone loves free expression as long as it isn’t exercised” (2013, p. 501). Throughout his essay, Rosenblatt gives examples of freedom of expression and the inconsistencies of what is considered acceptable displays of this freedom. Rosenblatt references how when an NBA player quietly protested the United States’ actions by refusing to stand for the national anthem before a game, he was punished by the league (2013). Conversely when former Atlanta Braves pitcher John Rocker sounded off about not wanting to ride the New York subway with “single moms, queers, and illegal aliens” (2013, p. 502), the MLB did nothing about. The quiet act of refusing to stand would have gone unnoticed by most, but Rocker’s comments were heard by and offended many, however no punishment was given. Rosenblatt’s examples illustrate well the inconsistencies of what is considered freedom of expression and how everybody loves it until someone does or says something they do not agree with. One thing is certain what is considered free expression, will continue to drive the defense for what can be