Reference :- When a presenter with the intelligence of Rita Panahi explores a topic , it can be hard to stay abreast of the conversation .
Dear Rita ,
The concept of free speech is discussed and debated regularly in the media these days . I am a simple man , now an octogenerian , and it seems to me , that with regard to freedom of speech , you either have it or you don't . Once rules and regulations are enforced , and different kinds of speech are labelled and banned , you no longer have freedom of speech .
To quote my dear departed mum , " You can't have your Lamington and eat it too . " .
Recently you sneered at the woke students of London University who cancelled a lecturer ( Baroness Claire Fox , who's views you support ) because she had re-tweeted a Rick Gervais joke they disliked . Indeed Rita , that was disgraceful . You called it a perfect indicator of the free speech crisis , and laughed at the students for being " afraid that words might hurt them . I could not agree more .
However , later in your show you were greatly concerned about the use of words by folk whose views you do not support . To quote from your show " promiscuous use of the words 'Nazis' and 'Fascist ' is dangerous " .
So which is it Rita , can words hurt us or not ?
I am confident that you have the intellect to explain this apparent contradiction in your understanding of the concept of freedom of speech .
Being less of a polymath than you , use of the Lamington model in your explanation would be much appreciated .
Your comrade , Ken .
No comments:
Post a Comment