Tag: opinions

Different opinions and freedom

Posted on by philipdodson

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There are those that advocate banning people, who are deemed to be ‘extreme’ or have opinions that are ‘inappropriate’.

The problem with that is, who decides what is ‘inappropriate’ or ‘extreme’.

Let’s hear all opinions, and then in a true free society, we can then decide for ourselves what is acceptable or not, without the need for others to decide for us.

If opinions that are aired by some, are truly unacceptable to many, then the majority can choose not to follow them.

The danger of silencing any particular view is, who decides who performs the role of arbiter of suitable views?

For example, I really do not care for the views of Donald Trump, but I would have a big problem with him not being able to air them. Thankfully he has been able to speak freely and that has enabled me to know exactly what he stands for and that he is a person, whose opinions I do not care for in any way.

We live in dangerous times in terms of threat of censorship for our ‘security’ and ‘safety’, with many governments looking to restrict access to alternative websites, and with trade agreements looking to prohibit any criticism or challenges to large global corporations.

It is vital that we protect freedom of speech, regardless of whether we agree with the opinions or not. After all, there is no right or wrong, as that is myth that we humans have created.

Hidden opinions are far more dangerous, than ones out in the open for all to hear and for everyone to have a chance to decide.

Without this freedom, we will have an Orwellian, single voice of the establishment only.

Good vs Evil, a question of perspective

Posted on by philipdodson

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The world has easily taken to this simplistic view of good versus evil, it is an easy way to sell a viewpoint.

Once you involve this concept, it is easy to gain support for your argument.

Who would, after all, choose to back ‘evil’?

But good or bad is a question of perspective.

Very few things are so clear cut, and the issues that this ‘good vs evil’ measure are applied to, are far more complex.

But complex leads to different opinions and leads to possible disagreement, simplification is easy. The sellers of a view, rarely like to have complexity.

Selling an idea involves manipulation. Influencing others to consider different aspects of a situation, or an issue, are often gained through inspiration and by leading by example.

However, most things that are easy in life are of little value. The more meaningful things require hard work, effort and often require the bravery to challenge the easy option.