From December 2013, when cancel culture attacked Duck Dynasty. Yes, this blog old, but not outdated. These principles apply just as strongly today as they did back then.
As a woman, as a mom, as a military spouse, as a Christian, as an American, I get offended nearly every single day.
And I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Why you say? Why would I prefer being offended over having everyone else agree with me, or for everyone to be so scared of being offensive, that they keep their mouths shut? Because you being able to speak your mind, means I get to speak mine too.
You know, I don’t even watch Duck Dynasty, not because I don’t like them, but because I am one of those weirdoes that does not have cable. Heck, I don’t even agree with everything Paul writes in the bible and that’s not to say that he does not have some good key points, but it really saddens me when Christians focus on Paul’s words more than what our Lord and savior, Jesus Christ taught us; which is why I love the Gospel and the book of Psalms. Here is another thing that I believe in and am a huge fan of:
Our first amendment.
I believe full heartedly in freedom of speech and freedom of religion. The moment we let them go for an employer, a network, the media or simply out of fear, is tragic; no matter what your beliefs are.
Here’s a quote I think addresses this matter beautifully, by Voltaire, who was a French writer and an advocate of freedom of religion and freedom of expression:
“I do not agree with what you have to say, but I’ll defend to the death your right to say it.”
Isn’t that the whole point of freedom of speech?
There is a difference between being babies, yanking on the robes of whatever special interest group and the government, screaming, “Nanny! Nanny! That person offended me! Punish them please!” and putting our big kid undies on and saying “Meh, that’s their opinion. I don’t own it and it doesn’t own me.”
In other words, there is a difference between disagreeing with someone, and wanting to take their freedom to voice and practice their beliefs away.
Imagine, all Americans handling our emotions like adults, what a concept!
So the next time you are offended, let it be a war of words, or let it slide right off your back. It’s your choice and freedom to decide. The next time you feel too frightened to speak your mind about whatever you are passionate about, DO NOT HOLD YOUR TONGUE! Remember that many, many, many, MANY Americans, male and female, young and old DIED for you to have that freedom! Do not insult their sacrifice by giving your freedom away.
As for freedom of religion…
Have we forgotten that by allowing other’s to believe in God however they choose (or choose not to) protects us from being forced into either practicing one single religion or none at all?
Grow up and learn that respect and freedom usually go hand and hand, even if it offends you…
Kimberly Humphreys