…In the right place, under certain specific conditions.
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Americans are told to be proud of the First Amendment and the right to free speech. However, upon closer examination, there is little free speech that can actually be exercised.
If you say something your boss dislikes, they have every right to fire you, and you spend most of your life at work. In schools or colleges, you can be suspended, expelled, or even lose your diploma for protesting issues administrators care about. If you post something online that violates copyright, offends a privileged group, or breaches unknown rules, you can be blocked by social media companies. Protesting on the street requires a permit — though maybe not on the sidewalk, depending on the circumstances. At political conventions and other political events, special free-speech zones are often placed so far from the event that attendees remain unaware of your protest.
“Free speech” as advertised? It barely exists in this country.
While you’re here enjoying Ted Rall’s latest cartoon, please take a moment and read articles on related topics: