In this age of political correctness that borders on drudgery, are you finding that free speech is slowly dying? I mean, on the one hand, we are told as managers that transparency, integrity and honesty are key. Yet, on the other hand, the current political climate suppresses the tongue and dampens the spirit. Saving Changes...
The workplace has always had an expectation that there are limitations on speech based on company culture/norms/guidelines. Integrity and honesty can and should be maintained along with professional behaviors and language. Saving Changes...
Peter RapinSubject Matter Expect; Project Delivery| Independent ConsultantOntario, Canada
Free speech works both ways. You are free to state your opinion or perception of the facts but I am equally free to comment on your statement. Free speech does not mean your are not accountable for what you say.
If, in your jurisdiction, the law says you can/will be prosecuted for expressing hatred for a defined group, or any group, then don't complain when it happens.
If your employer has guidelines for employment behavior, including manner of speaking, don't be surprised if you are taken to task for breaching the rules.
If you are a quest at a university, or anywhere else for that matter, and the entity has rules about pronoun application then expect to have consequences if you flaunt the rules.
Many people seem to think that free speech means that they don't have to deal with the consequences of what they say. Not so!
If you don't like the rules, avoid the situation or work within the system to have them changed.
Say what you have to say and live with the consequences. If what you have to say isn't worth the consequences then don't say it.
Laws, guidelines, language enforcement; all restrictions on free speech. The other side of the coin is the few that legislate such restrictions and then apply it to the masses when the masses don't agree. It's not as simple as voting them out, because perhaps voters agree with what they view as more important policies that are aligned with their party (i.e. jobs, health, education), not to mention all major parties follow precedence and go with the flow once the restricted legislation is passed. Restrictions on free speech are the early rumblings of fascism and other oppressive political systems. Until it changes, yes we must live with the consequences when we break the muzzle of restricted speech. Saving Changes...
