Rytis Juozapavičius, journalist, executive director of “Transparency International” Lithuanian Chapter (TILC)
When we start using harsh language the search of mutual answers stops, rationality which binds us disappears. When you insult your debate partner or your opponent people tend to feel being under attack, thus, their thinking changes – instead of rational thinking they start defending themselves by attacking other people. There is no more discussion and both minds close.
Discussions with hatred and humiliating epithets are only a waste of time. They lead nowhere – only fuels aggression. Freedom of speech is amazing but it is being killed with every instance of intolerance, disrespect and insult.
Respectful comments, respectful dialogues are the true forms of freedom of speech. If there is no respect for an opponent there is no discussion. No discussion means no freedom of speech.
other thoughts
Freedom of speech does not mean freedom to insult, freedom to disrespect others. The more anonymity and possibilities to insult and offend others we get, the more restricted our freedom to be honorable and freedom of self-realization is.
I tend to think, that anonymity should be respected, because there are organizations in Lithuania that act based on principle of anonymity. Everything depends on how a citizen perceives anonymity.
Writing comments ethically means not only respect for others – it is also self-respect. It is a pity, that such a good way to share opinions, space for dialogues in internet news portals sometimes becomes space for slinging mud and palaver.
