Finding it very disappointing and almost bordering on fascist that free speech is apparently only applicable to those siding with popular viewpoints and thus refusing the other side of the debate to be heard.
Why can speakers, journalists, bloggers and celebrities (or indeed anyone with the ability of speech) tell us we "should" and "ought to" agree with one side or else we are barbarians, thugs, homophobes, islamophobes, sexist, racist, capitalists, leftist, right-wing, ignorant etc and yet any opposing view "must," be silenced, quashed, denied or, worse, cause the speaker to be imprisoned or otherwise punished for their difference of opinion?
Surely free speech, which has come at great cost and is still not permitted in certain countries, should be protected? Otherwise it is certainly not free speech?
How can there be healthy debate, discussion, reasoning and thinking if we are TOLD our differing opinions are nothing short of criminal? Should people who have otherwise been pioneers of their industry be cast aside for an opinion which is just that? An opinion?
Surely any intelligent being has the ability to cope with an opposing view without having a conniption over it?
Indeed, certain subjects which still cause controversy have been through many changes over the years and steps have been made to ensure civil liberties and freedoms are protected. But forcing the new standard down throats of all is just as bad, in my view, as those who forced the previous standard upon others. There must be room for disagreement, without violence or hatred, and people on both sides must be prepared to be mature enough to hear another view without being so utterly offended by it that they attack, censor and vilify.