33. The Free Speech Booth

Synopsis - The People's Republic has announced that its citizens could now say whatever they wanted, even if it was hurtful to the government, as part of a policy of allowing free speech. The only caveat is that these words must only be spoken in free speech booths, closed off from the rest of society. Now is that really free speech?

People want to heard. There's some point in being able to say whatever whenever but who's listening? As the author has pointed out, there are consequences to words said. Some good, some bad but always reacted to. The free speech booth is a mere empty capsule with no audience (though I suspect any government that's critical of any dissent probably bugged each scream portal). Yes it could be therapeutic to enter a booth and scream some innanity. In the end, who'd care except the person who tried the contraption out. No audience, no effect.

But let's try this. What if many people gathered about these free speech booths, patiently waited for their turn among thousands to go hurl an obscenity to the powers that be (albeit to themselves and categorically only themselves), and came out refreshed to have coffee with waiting, satisfied comrades? Would that strike fear among the People's Republic? A silent meeting of critical thinkers.

In Singapore, there is a Speaker's Corner which is hardly utilized. It's a sizeable green space where one can talk freely within terms if course. Registration of intent is required prior. An audience is never guaranteed - one probably has to bring one's own. Not exactly a platform for free speech in a country ranked very low for press freedom but an attempt that unintentionally mimics the free speech booth and perhaps it's associated charms? No one even uses Speaker's Corner to tell stories.

Should there be limits to free speech? Odd question to ask. What is free speech with limits? Not free at all. But we should be wary of the consequences. The author has provided examples of how words could eventually cause hurt. Fire! Fire!

Perhaps we are more concerned about the individual consequences of free speech, libel and such. Some governments will lock you up and throw away the key if you talk too much. I 'd bet the People's Republic would.