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We need to always remember - THE INTERNET ISN'T PRIVATE!
getting fired because of a stated opinion is harsh but that's a subjective matter. If I prefer manager X to Manager Y I don't expect my job to be under threat but if I come out and say that I'm for mandatory Class A drugs at lunch breaks rather than for cigarette breaks I fully expect to be taken to task.
There's clearly a greater context missing from this story so I can't honestly say one way or another wither this was the right ruling. What I will say is this:
The American Constitution does not compensate for common sense. The Internet (and social media in particular) is not really private - your thoughts, feelings and opinions are transmitted across a public space, even if you only intend for that information to be consumed by a small set of people or for the origin of the opinion to remain anonymous. You may have the right to that opinion but other people also have the right to take offense at that opinion. This can lead to further consequences (as in the story).
By all means exercise free speech and enshrine the right to free speech in law (this is a great thing) but think it through before you excercise that right. Yes, you should be able to say what you like (or 'like' what you see) as long as you aren't harming anyone else but in reality no law can protect you from what other people may think about you for the opinions you hold or the things you do on the internet. Consequences have many forms, not all of which as obvious as being fired.
Or, to put it succinctly, engage brain before posting to Internet.
Now excuse me while I set up a FaceBook campaign that could change the face of cigarette breaks all over the world. *Knock knock* Who's that at the door? The Police? You want to talk to me about my endorsement of what?! Blimey, you were quick - I haven't even told anyone my plans yet. Saw it on the Internet, you say. Oh
(BTW, for those of you who have difficulty with reading emotion in text blocks, I was joking about the drugs at breaks thing. Comedy to try and illustrate a point. I have never been a drug user and wouldn't endorse such a plan myself. I would, however, defend your right to state your support such a plan.....but you'd have to take the consequences of your opinions. As if to illustrate my point again.)
There's clearly a greater context missing from this story so I can't honestly say one way or another wither this was the right ruling. What I will say is this:
The American Constitution does not compensate for common sense. The Internet (and social media in particular) is not really private - your thoughts, feelings and opinions are transmitted across a public space, even if you only intend for that information to be consumed by a small set of people or for the origin of the opinion to remain anonymous. You may have the right to that opinion but other people also have the right to take offense at that opinion. This can lead to further consequences (as in the story).
By all means exercise free speech and enshrine the right to free speech in law (this is a great thing) but think it through before you excercise that right. Yes, you should be able to say what you like (or 'like' what you see) as long as you aren't harming anyone else but in reality no law can protect you from what other people may think about you for the opinions you hold or the things you do on the internet. Consequences have many forms, not all of which as obvious as being fired.
Or, to put it succinctly, engage brain before posting to Internet.
Now excuse me while I set up a FaceBook campaign that could change the face of cigarette breaks all over the world. *Knock knock* Who's that at the door? The Police? You want to talk to me about my endorsement of what?! Blimey, you were quick - I haven't even told anyone my plans yet. Saw it on the Internet, you say. Oh
(BTW, for those of you who have difficulty with reading emotion in text blocks, I was joking about the drugs at breaks thing. Comedy to try and illustrate a point. I have never been a drug user and wouldn't endorse such a plan myself. I would, however, defend your right to state your support such a plan.....but you'd have to take the consequences of your opinions. As if to illustrate my point again.)
Posted by dl_wraith
Updated - 16th May 2012
