Free Speech is not really free

I waited to gather my thoughts about Will Smith and Chris Rock before I put pen to paper. Or in this case words on the screen.

While I wholeheartedly agree that violence in any situation is never the answer, I am marveling at the fact that no one seems to be talking about what provoked the violence.

Words can kill. Words start wars. Aren’t we seeing it?

I understand that comedians are those that tackle issues and bring levity about the same to our society.

But really does it have to be at someone’s expense?

Don’t you remember that nasty remark made toward you in grade school? It stung, right? And now in your adult years, you still remember it.

We always have a choice in a situation. And the result of our choices can make or break us.

Treat the Symptoms or the Underlying Cause? There are consequences for our words too. Not just our actions.

Our society has become adept at paying attention to the symptoms, and reactions. Instead of treating the underlying cause. The provocation.

You may say, that we have become a society of wimps that cannot take a joke.

But I would like to challenge you. Why not become so skilled as a comedian that you don’t have to resort to subtle remarks about someone’s appearance to elicit a laugh?

Have we so lost our sense of decency? Making fun of a lady — especially about her hair? Her glory?

In this case, both Chris Rock and Will Smith are in the wrong.

One for the provocation, and the other for the reaction.

My Two Pennies

So, dear Chris Rock, the next time you are writing a speech or plan to make people laugh, try thinking about clever ways to do so. A skilled comedian can do it. I know you can too.

And as for Will Smith. He has already paid a high price for his reaction. But, he should have taken the fight outside the arena, in a conversation with Chris Rock.

And as for us? We must examine ourselves to see what makes us take one side over the other in this situation.

We must start treating the underlying causes and motives of our hearts as Americans. While free speech is our God-given right, it is not expedient to use it just because we have that right. Wisdom is knowing if and when to speak. It’s how we use it that makes the difference.

Free speech is necessary and very important but really, using wisdom while doing it is imperative.

What do you think? Let me know.