Say What You Mean And Mean What You Say

Freedom of Speech is a recognised human right.  Everyone, regardless of their status, background or knowledge, has the right to express their own views on any given subject matter.  Any act of giving or receving information or ideas, comes under this act.  Hate Speech is any communication, written or verbal which may be construed as disparaging a person or group of people on the basis of characteristics.  In a lot of countries, people who are victims of Hate Speech have the right to seek redress under the law. 

Directly taken from The Freedom of Speech:

"The free communication of ideas and opinions is one of the most precious of the rights of man.  Every citizen may, accordingly, speak, write, and print with freedom, but shall be responsible for such abuses of this freedom as shall be defined by law"

I agree that in most circumstances, everyone has the right to their own opinion.  I believe that in the blogging community, it is vital that everyone expresses their own opinion, and is not pressured to act or behave in a way that conforms to what they believe is correct.  I hope that people are unafraid of posting a negative review for fear of being disliked.  I hope that people can respect someone elses opinion, even if it greatly differs from their own.  

Everyone has the freedom and the right to have their own opinion, you should not feel ashamed of your views, because they are what builds your character.  I have a lot of opinions, on a variety of subjects, some that people would highly dislike.  I believe same sex marriage should be legal across the world.  I think single parents should be able to adopt.  I think Gordon Brown is a complete nimwit who should never have been given his title.  I think books are more important than fashion.  See?

I would never be afraid to post a comment or a blog post on something I felt strongly about.  My opinions and values are what makes me, me.  There have been a few occasions where I have disagreed with posts that people have written, and I have said so in the comments.  I refuse to be a sheep and nod and agree with people just because everyone else may.  I know what I like and what I dislike, I refuse to conform to what other people believe I should be.

With this in mind, I sincerely hope that everyone who follows my blog is not afraid to express their own views and opinions, even if you disagree with me.  I hope that people would post comments and know that I would never ever begrudge their opinion.  I hope that people know they can come here and say what they want to say, without fear of being judged.  I want people to come here with opinions that differ from mine, because sometimes all it takes is a bit of perspective.

This post has stemmed from getting an anyonymous comment.  The comment didn't upset me personally, nor will it affect the way I blog.  It upset me because they chose to leave the comment anonymously.  I wondered why they had done this, because surely, their opinion is as valid as my own.  I never want my followers or lurkers to think I beleive their thoughts and views to be less than my own.  I want people to be honest regardless, because I don't judge people, and it upset me to realise this commenter may have thought this.

In conclusion, never be afraid to stand for what you beleive in.  No opinion is a wrong opinion.  Freedom of Speech is something that people fought hard and strong for, something that people stuggled for, so use it.

p.s Many thanks to Adele at Persnickety Snark for checking my absymal spelling :-)