Awareness and Action |
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We are conformists by nature we run with the herd. It takes courage to ignore public approval and defending principle. It takes deep seeded conviction of the cause, it takes integrity and self-confidence, abuse and amnesty.
Beware of the mob whether on streets on highways and byways of social media; beware of the rush to judgment. Even in democracies and where the majority rules we consign enormous authority to the powers of speech. We select people on this basis of their capacity to sway the crowds. We epode majority rule and the majority isn’t always right. Popular opinion does not imply correct opinion and correct opinion does not imply politically correct opinion.
Of course we uphold free speech. Independent thoughts, which are at odds with the orthodoxy camp can result in an avalanche of ostracism. People are so focused on feelings; they believe they should not purposely offend people and they should uphold the dignity of others. There is too much emphasis today on feelings. But free societies are based on rights and good societies are based on principles that are long lasting not feelings that may be the fashion of the moment. Sometimes for the health of society it is necessary to run the risk of being perceived as offensive. Sometimes we are offended by the wrong things and sometimes we are not offended enough by what is truly offensive.
Beware of the mob whether on streets on highways and byways of social media; beware of the rush to judgment. Even in democracies and where the majority rules we consign enormous authority to the powers of speech. We select people on this basis of their capacity to sway the crowds. We epode majority rule and the majority isn’t always right. Popular opinion does not imply correct opinion and correct opinion does not imply politically correct opinion.
Of course we uphold free speech. Independent thoughts, which are at odds with the orthodoxy camp can result in an avalanche of ostracism. People are so focused on feelings; they believe they should not purposely offend people and they should uphold the dignity of others. There is too much emphasis today on feelings. But free societies are based on rights and good societies are based on principles that are long lasting not feelings that may be the fashion of the moment. Sometimes for the health of society it is necessary to run the risk of being perceived as offensive. Sometimes we are offended by the wrong things and sometimes we are not offended enough by what is truly offensive.