In the West, freedom of speech has become deified. Secularists and liberal fundamentalists praise it as the solution to our problems. "Oh there is too much extremism? Counter it with more freedom of speech! Any other issue? More freedom of speech!" In the recent Charlie incident, many secularists have actually claimed that the solution to the terror attacks on freedom of speech is more free speech. This is so illogical. Freedom of speech cannot stand for itself nor should. Freedom of speech should not be exercised for its own sake. It should be defended on its merits, but that is different. Freedom of speech is intended to protect citizens' right to express an idea. But free speech for its own sake, like the new Charlie Hebdo cover with Mohammed on it, strays from what point of freedom of speech and the good it can achieve.
Freedom of speech ought only be used in pursuit of truth. Not for its own sake and shock value, as in Charlie Hebdo. I believe that the Holy Catholic Church contains the fulness of Truth, but I believe the pursuit of truth is a valuable thing, and I think freedom of speech is required for that. I think people should be able to get their feelings hurt. Life hurts, truth hurts. I do not think it is the governments role to censor someone like Charlie Hebdo, just because it will offend someone.
HOWEVER, although I believe it is not the governments job, I do not support Charlie Hebdo. It is an imprudent use of freedom of speech for its own sake. It is not the governments role to censor it, but it should be the people's responsibility to discourage it. And even if not just discourage it, at least not deify Charlie Hebdo as the solution to all of our issues. I protect the right to freedom of speech, but I do not support its abuse.
Je ne suis pas Charlie. Je suis Ahmed. Mr. Jahjah put it best here:
