For Better or Worse: Free Speech

I may not agree with you, but I agree that you are entitled to your opinion and are allowed to shout it from the roof tops. It's my decision whether to continue to listen or not. That's the beauty - and the curse - of the freedom of speech. We are all entitled to say what we think without fear of government interference. It really is a privilege. And, it really is hard to swallow sometimes.

Last week, a friend of mine posted a picture of a car emblazoned with a racist 2012 election bumper sticker. My first thought - honestly - was to check my urban legend web site to see if this was for real. It's not that I couldn't believe it was real, it's just that I have a healthy skepticism about anything that could raise more than a few eyebrows - whether it be the dangers of toothpaste or deodorant (I can't remember which it was) or the derogatory name calling of women by Maher or Limbaugh (see gram - I can present both sides).

Sure enough - the photo was real.

Not only was it real, but it was sold by a web site - since taken down - that sold other gems involving the KKK and the confederate flag.

I was horrified when I saw the photo and more so when I saw the other bumper stickers that were for sale. To say it saddens me that these things are out in universe would be an extreme understatement. Don't get me wrong - I'm not stupid. I know racism still exists. I'm just an eternal optimist who looks for us to be moving forward rather than remaining static or sliding backwards.

I grew up with racist grandparents. Some used the n-word regularly and with venom, usually proceeded by a "god damn". Some used every ethnic slur that one can call to mind. There were those awkward moments in restaurants or at the mall where an offhand comment was said at a time where the room was suddenly quiet, and I wanted to crawl under the table.

My parents never used any of those words, and admonished theirs when the did (most of the time). I did too, once I became older.

The classic cringe-worthy moment for me was in Arlington Cemetery. I was graduating from college and doing my duty as a tour guide. As we slowly trudged back down the hill from Kennedy's grave, my disgruntled guest said, "God damn J***." In front of a bus filled with Asian tourists. "Insert relative name (in all caps), shhhhhhh - you can't say that." I got the look that said differently, (and a lecture about WWII to which I counterpointed all the way back to the car). And, it's true. We can say whatever hate-filled thing we want. But just because we can doesn't mean we should.

So, do I think that the owner of the car with the racist bumper sticker have the right to display it? I do. And, I think that Bill Maher and Rush Limbaugh have a right to deride Sarah Palin and Sandra Fluke. I do not think the car should be forced off the road or the commentators should be forced of the air. But, I do believe that the power of the consumer can silence or muffle the hate speak.

With the freedom of speech comes the accountability. We are all responsible not only for protecting it - but showing outrage when the speech goes to far - causes harm, promotes hate, tells lies, or adds to ignorance. We all need to speak up - not to ban the speaker or the speech - but to right the wrong, expose the hate, or heck - even just present an alternative point of view.