Is American “Freedom of Speech” Too Extreme?

Written by Frank Li

“Freedom of speech” is a good idea, but the American version is too extreme and too ideal!

1. It’s so extreme that President Trump appears to lie at will, from “Mexico will pay for the wall” to the 2020 election result, only to be met with repeated defeats in court (Trump suffers brutal, unprecedented court defeat).
2. It’s so ideal that few Americans can think like the Chinese do: a speech can be an act.

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1. What is “Freedom of speech”?

Below is an excerpt from Wikipedia – Freedom of speech.

In the United States, freedom of speech and expression is strongly protected from government restrictions by the First Amendment to the United States Constitution, many state constitutions, and state and federal laws. Freedom of speech, also called free speech, means the free and public expression of opinions without censorship, interference and restraint by the government.[1][2][3][4] The term “freedom of speech” embedded in the First Amendment encompasses the decision what to say as well as what not to say.[5] The Supreme Court of the United States has recognized several categories of speech that are given lesser or no protection by the First Amendment and has recognized that governments may enact reasonable time, place, or manner restrictions on speech. The First Amendment’s constitutional right of free speech, which is applicable to state and local governments under the incorporation doctrine,[6] only prevents government restrictions on speech, not restrictions imposed by private individuals or businesses unless they are acting on behalf of the government.[7] However, laws may restrict the ability of private businesses and individuals from restricting the speech of others, such as employment laws that restrict employers’ ability to prevent employees from disclosing their salary with coworkers or attempting to organize a labor union.[8]

This, of course, is the theory.

2. “Freedom of speech” in practice

Few things are absolute, including freedom of speech. Two examples:

1. You can’t shout “fire” in a movie theater.
2. You can’t say anything “offensive”, without being “pushed” back.

What, then, is deemed offensive?

It’s up the recipient! One example: If African-Americans do not like the word “negro”, do not use it! Or you are looking for trouble, such as getting punched.

3. Can a speech be viewed as an act?

Yes, it can, in China! More on this in Section 5.2.

Yes, it should, in America! For example, President Trump has been accused of inciting many incidents of violence via his tweets!

Two recent news stories:

1. Trump tweet calls to “Liberate Michigan” amid stay home order resistance.
2. FBI busts alleged plot to kidnap Michigan governor.

Unfortunately, President Trump’s tweet in this case cannot be viewed as an act in America …

Why not?

4. Freedom of speech: over-sold and over-bought in America!

Generally speaking, freedom of speech is a good idea, just like freedom.

Unfortunately, just like freedom, freedom of speech has been over-sold and over-bought in America, as highlighted by the image below.

To show how ridiculous it has become, here is a recent news story: Senator Mike Lee says fact-checking is a form of censorship.

Common sense censorship (or fact-checking) is essential for an advanced civil society, of which America is not in my opinion, and Covid-19 has just made it more obvious.

5. Freedom of speech in China

Here is a recent news story: NBA sparks anger with apology to China. Below is an excerpt.

Two major wrongs with Daryl Morey in this case:

1. Mixing business with politics.
2. Lack of basic understanding of China.

Let me elaborate on each …

5.1 Mixing business with politics

Business and politics do not mix – Violating conventional wisdom at a cost!

Here is a similar story from 2008: Sharon Stone Movies Banned In China. Below is an excerpt.

Now, with Daryl Morey, history has just repeated itself!

5.2 Lack of basic understanding of China

Speech is mostly a bunch of words in America, but it can be viewed as an act in China, especially when politics is involved.

In other words, China defines “speech” differently from America, although both countries guarantee “freedom of speech” constitutionally.

For more, watch the video at the end of this post.

5.3 Summary

Houston Rockets general manager Daryl Morey had the right to comment on Hong Kong. The Chinese had the right to cancel the NBA broadcasting – End of discussion!

When in Rome, do it the Roman way. If you want to sell to China, follow Chinese rules, idealistic freedom of speech notwithstanding!

6. Discussion

This whole NBA-China controversy shows how naïve and ignorant America is: mixing business with politics, with impunity, hopefully. When pushed-back, America slapped China in the name of freedom of speech!

Both the MSM (Main-Stream Media) and politicians are even worse!

Let me give you two examples …

6.1 Example 1

Read: Column: NBA-China controversy shows how money trumps free speech. Below is an excerpt.

Money trumps everything, especially in America, from politics to the MSM!

For more, read: The U.S. vs. China: Money and Governance.

6.2 Example 2

Read: Ted Cruz is not just clueless but cynical about Hong-Kong. Below is an excerpt.

Need I say more?

7. More discussion

Should China tolerate more on “freedom of speech”?

Yes, of course!

Should America put more constraints on “freedom of speech”?

Yes, of course, too!

The challenge is how … Generally speaking, the more freedom of speech there is, the more censorship is necessary. It’s known as “yin and yang” in China.

Also, ethics matters a lot …

Overall, however, China’s more restrictive version looks better and better over time, especially in the era of social media, where lies fly fast and high …

Bottom line: America must stop lecturing China on “freedom of speech” – Mind our own business, instead!

Here is a serious problem with America: Media Distortion: From Boston Massacre to Fox News.

In other words, big lies in the name of “freedom of speech” have been a part of America’s crippling tradition throughout its history! President Trump has simply made it more obvious!

America, reform our failing political system, as I have suggested (American Democracy – Why is it failing & how to fix it?), or become a fiddle, second to China!

8. Closing

Freedom of speech is not ideal in either China or America. But the too lax tradition in the U.S. is hurting America more than is the too restrictive tradition in China.

In other words, “Freedom of speech” is too extreme in America. America cannot remain great and stop its decline unless more value is placed on truth.

Enjoy this long video below, which represents perhaps the best thinking out of China, including “we think speech is act”.

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