When Personal Expression goes TOO Far

Those who support freedom of expression often fail to think through the implications of their defense. Everything we do is self-expression. Winking, laughing, talking, shooting a gun at someone, stealing a car, shoplifting, eating, showering, and everything in between: these are all expressions of one's self. Some acts of self-expression are good, and others are bad because they break the commandments of God or put other people in harm's way.

Concerning freedom of expression thru speech, I can think of one instance in particular when words went too far. Earlier this year, the popular talk radio host Michael Savage got on a rant about autism. Autism is a real disease, a struggle for many people and especially children. Over national radio airwaves, Savage stated ""[a] fraud, a racket. ... I'll tell you what autism is. In 99 percent of the cases, it's a brat who hasn't been told to cut the act out. That's what autism is. What do you mean they scream and they're silent? They don't have a father around to tell them, 'Don't act like a moron. You'll get nowhere in life. Stop acting like a putz. Straighten up. Act like a man. Don't sit there crying and screaming, idiot.' " (http://mediamatters.org/items/200807170005)

Now, Savage may have a point. Some diagnosed cases of autism may be simply cries for attention. But to accuse 99% of the autistic population of being fraudulent idiots was completely out of line. What a heart-rending thing for the parent of an autistic child to hear!

In this case, many people protested and asked for Savage's resignation. Savage apologized and backpedaled rapidly. The potential drop in listener ratings was his punishment, and I'm certain his advisors kept a more watchful eye on him after that episode. This was an appropriate punishment. Everybody says stupid things without thinking every now and then. To fire a good radio host over a stupid mistake is a little severe. All the same, Savage went too far. I do not believe such statements should be prevented, because that is inhibiting freedom of speech. I do, however, believe that whatever is said, the speaker should be held accountable for. Savage was, and it nearly cost him his occupation.