I just read a post by an Active Rain member, calling for a radio host (Michael Savage) to be fired for an insensitive comment he made about Autism.  I don't promote bashing people with illnesses, or juding what I don't understand, as much as the next big hearted person.  But as a former radio industry employee, I can't get behind getting anyone fired on the basis of what they say.

What happened to freedom of speech?  Is it only the speech that doesn't offend anyone that is free?  The speech that doesn't invoke words with bad connotations?  Tell me.  Because to me, freedom of speech is just that, freedom of speech...ALL OF IT.

In radio, we had a saying.  If you don't like it, turn it off.  There would be people that would log 25 hours per week listening to shows like Imus or Howard Stern, and write down all the disgusting and immoral things these guys said that offended them, and mail it to the FCC.  That's right, these fine Americans subjected themselves to 25 hours of blood boiling hatred when all they had to do was use their own FREEDOM OF CHOICE and CHANGE THE CHANNEL or TURN IT OFF. 

When you turn the channel, you just personally fired whatever radio personality, or tv show, it was that was hitting the nerve.  Isn't that good enough?  Or is it your job to monitor what others should hear? 

All speech in this Country should be free.  I'm sorry that people hear things that may offend them, but there is no excuse to continue listening to it if it offends you.  Would you stay in a room with somene that kept berating you?  Or would you walk out? 

Freedom of speech is one of the founding principals of this Country that make it great.  The freedom to talk trash, the freedom to disagree, the freedom to praise, the freedom to rant, the freedom to through out a half-baked idea on a disease you don't understand, and even the freedom to write this blog. 

Chris Ann Cleland, Associate Broker- Licensed in Virginia, GRI, SFR, Northern Virginia Short Sale Specialist. Affiliated with Long & Foster, 7526 Limestone Drive, Gainesville, VA 20155.  To contact Chris Ann, call 703-402-0037 or email chrisann@LNF.com.  Or you can visit her website:  www.nvarealestate.net.

Header photos taken by Chris Ann Cleland.

The opinions expressed in this post are those of Chris Ann Cleland, not those of Long & Foster REALTORS®.

 
Post is included in group: anythinggoes
Post is included in group: Dissent

12 Comments on Freedom of Speech...What does it Mean to You?

JUL
22
2008
136,015 Points

As a former radio industry employee you know the decision to fire him will come down to one thing, what will the major advertisers think?
9:16pm • #1
459,700 Points 5 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp

Chris Ann, I agree about the "you can turn it off" . As controversial as Savage is he is fascinating to listen to. He also has several very interesting books.   I can't find him anymore in our area.

Back on the topic. Yes we have this freedom. And we have the freedom to use it wisely, so it doesn't backfire.
10:22pm • #2
JUL
23
2008
1,501,247 Points 355 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Chris Ann...

I guess the listener has a right to do whatever as well, but the truth is, if all insensitive remarks were eliminated from radio the A.M. band would disappear!
7:09am • #3
1,520,797 Points 112 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Terry:  You are right.  Talk to the advertisers.
9:08am • #4
1,520,797 Points 112 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Trey:  The hardest speech to defend as free is the stuff that drives you crazy or upsets you.  But freedom is worth defending.  As for Savage, you're right.  If he turns off a lot of people because of this comment, well, he's got what's coming.  But I simply hate the call to fire people when they say things that cross the line with us personally.
9:10am • #5
1,520,797 Points 112 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Richard:  True!  And rap music wouldn't exist either...not that I'm fond of it.  But freedom is freedom. 
9:12am • #6

It is a hard line to walk.  I think it is wonderful that we have the right to free speech.  When I draw the line is when the talk is vulgar.  

And I agree that the advertisers will be the decision maker.
3:40pm • #7
1,520,797 Points 112 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Karen:  Absolutely the advertisers will be the ones to make or break radio careers.  But, as I said, the hardest speech to defend is the one that upsets you.  But I think it is just as important to defend that, as the stuff we love.
3:45pm • #8
JUL
24
2008
967,076 Points 60 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Chris Ann:  Your mentioning of someone listening to twenty-five hours of Imus and Stern, and then writing an epistle noting all the nasty things they said reminds me of a Woody Allen quote.  He was talking about how absolutely horrible the food was in a certain restaurant, but then said... "but at least their portions are good-sized."

As you said.  You don't like it... turn it off.  Michael Savage is a real boob.  I disagree with most if not all of what he has to say, but he still has the freedom to say it.  Thanks for sharing.
1:32am • #9
1,520,797 Points 112 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Karen Anne:  The Woody Allen quote is a good analogy.  I never did understand why people wasted so much of their day getting angry while taking notes on these radio shows, on a crusade to fire the hosts.  Turn it off and do something that makes you happy! 
9:11am • #10

Bravo, Chris Ann, bravo!
1:06pm • #11
1,520,797 Points 112 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Thanks Robert. 
1:54pm • #12


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Chris Ann Cleland, Associate Broker, Northern VA

Bristow, VA

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Long & Foster REALTORS®, Gainesville, VA

Address: 7526 Limestone Drive, Gainesville, VA, 20155

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