I don't know where you live but I've been able to express myself without any form of approval. Granted, I tend to not encourage genocide or glorify fascist regimes, but that's just me.

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goodmythical 9 hours ago | parent | next [-]

Where do you live where you're allowed to express yourself without any form of approval?

For instance, in the US, I cannot hysterically scream FIRE while running toward the exit of a theater, nor could I express a desire to cause bodily harm to an individual.

Not that I would, per se, but if I did I'd be liable to prosecution for the damages caused in either instance.

I'd have to get the approval of those involved (by their not seeking legal recourse), in order to do either without consequence.

	▲	infamouscow 8 hours ago \| parent [-]
		The "shouting fire in a crowded theater" line is one of the most misunderstood pieces of legal dicta in US history. It comes from a case that was overturned by Brandenburg v. Ohio (1969). Under current First Amendment law, the government cannot punish inflammatory speech unless it is directed to inciting "imminent lawless action" and is "likely" to produce such action. To illustrate how high this bar is: you can legally sell and wear a T-shirt that says "I heart killing [X group]". While many find that expression offensive or harmful, it is protected speech. This is because: - It is not a true threat (it doesn’t target a specific individual with a credible intent to harm). - It isn't incitement (it doesn't command a crowd to commit a crime immediately). In the US, you don't need approval to express yourself. The default is that your speech is protected unless the government can prove it falls into a tiny handful of narrow, well-defined exceptions.

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peyton 8 hours ago | parent | prev | next [-]

FYI freedom of speech in the US sense is not so much about self-expression as much as it is to prevent e.g. the King decreeing a law that “nobody can say the word ‘Parliament’”. Or for a modern example, “discussing what to do about xyz group is ‘hate speech’.”

Anybody can run their mouths. Discussing ideas with others is what’s protected.

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zmgsabst 9 hours ago | parent | prev [-]

Sure — you just deny those same rights to anyone you deem a “fascist” in a secret report. Much like say, the Stasi would allow you to speak your mind unless you were a capitalist subversive, as clearly documented in your secret trial.

Obviously we should censor fascists and subversives!