Julie Burchill is a 'controversial' writer. The word 'controversial' can mean many things. In her case it refers to her habit of just getting up peoples noses. It ought to mean writing truth and not being liked because of this, which is very different. It appears Julie Burchill, a lesbian I am informed, wrote an article, which I did not bother to read, criticising those who claim to be 'transgender.' Hmmm, pots and kettles spring to mind, although as I say I did not read her words. Her well known ability among what used to be called the 'chattering classes' to upset people has brought her many enemies. Maybe she likes it this way? However now something unusual has happened. The 'Observer,' the paper in which her article was published, has removed said item and apologised for any offence caused. Really? A serious paper apologising for someone writing an opinion, can this be true? Lynne Featherstone, a somewhat disturbed Lib-Dem member of parliament and Minister for International Development in this dreary government, had complained the item was 'Bigoted,' and I believe the word 'Transphobic,' was also used.
So a loud 'lesbian' comments on 'transgenders' and is opposed by an unstable misandrist MP and the article is deleted? What happened to 'Free Speech? Now let me make it plain I see free speech as offering opinions as to how an individual sees the world around them. It does not mean simply 'rabble rousing,' or deliberately stirring up hatred. There is a great difference in offering an opinion and sheer hatred. Which did Burchill offer? I clearly cannot say but the Observer/Guardian tends to offer thinking people as writers. I disagree with most of what these middle class 'socialists' say but they have the right to be wrong surely? Banning their twisted opinions can surely be seen as totalitarian and not the free speech any decent society ought to be proud off.
On the other hand where do we draw the line? How does an opinion become offensive? Does being right bring offence? Is this wrong? Of course not, although many will be unhappy and oppose vigorously the truth! Others can decide if our Julie was being offensive or just bitchy, most women columnists tend to be that way, and MP Lynne might be honest enough to tell us if she has a secret she wishes to hide.
Far too many jump on the offended bus today, and not because they are offended but because others opinions differ from them. If you don't like others opinions, right or wrong, should we drown them out like certain groups today tend to do? 'Equality' and democracy cuts both ways.
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