Here is the full video of one of the greatest speeches ever given by Christopher Hitchens on free speech (and all forms of free expression) and why it should be protected at all costs:
http://video.google....618149058958603
Original first post:
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Edit: I like this video so much, I am splitting this thread from the Most Hated Family In America thread
The next sentence I wrote. I think they are brainwashed. Is calling someone "evil" or "crazy" when they are brought up and brainwashed to believe something honest? Perhaps it is, but it doesn't seem that way to me. (of course I am always trying to give someone the benefit of the doubt, so maybe that is my problem) Especially after seeing the above documentary, they seem to be fairly "normal" except for this part of their life that is very nutty.I think just calling them crazy and moving on is dishonest intellectually.
What would you consider 'honest' intellectually in this case?
Oh I definitely agree that people shouldn't get into shouting matches with them. Perhaps all people can do is marginalize them so much that people do think of them as the very "fringe" of society. (luckily there are very few people like this)There really is nothing that you can do because they aren't breaking the law, and any attempt to "call them names" would prove futile -- they have already seen it all and are not a bit offened. What should we do? Send them letters? Any true neurologically satisfying way of getting under their skin would be illegal. Dismissing their ideas would be the most satisfactory way to deal with them, in my opinion. Even if the case arrived where you were face to face with one of their "pastors", what would a screaming argument solve? More resentment and hatred would arise.
What I really mean to say is that you should just deal with them as you would deal with any other chrisitian who you disagree with: calm, collected and sharp.
I see how angry this type of propaganda can make a person (including myself) become . I just think that screaming and yelling at them is exactly what they want -- attention. Ditch this BS forever (here comes my emotional side [huh] ).
On a side note, this kind of stuff shows some aspects of freedom of speech. I think it is a great thing to have people like this, because it causes the rest of us to discuss why they are incorrect in their beliefs, and offers a chance to examine things.
One of the best speeches I have ever seen on why freedom of speech (and specifically freedom of speech from "crazy" or fringe groups is good for everyone, and should be protected) comes from Christopher Hitchens:
(Note: Removed link because no longer available, go up to top to view the Google Vids version)
Edited by Live Forever, 20 February 2008 - 12:37 PM.