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The Forum > Article Comments > Defending Voltaire to death > Comments

Defending Voltaire to death : Comments

By Helen Pringle, published 6/9/2005

Helen Pringle argues all those who quote Voltaire's defence of free speech have got it wrong.

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I would think that there is a important oversight in Voltaire’s assertion that ‘I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it’. That is:- someone can say something but eventually they would have to substantiate it or prove it. Quite often, that will then take the matter out of philosophy or politics, and into areas such as science or objective research.

However there can be a loophole that is often exploited by people in the media (including academics), which is humour. Someone can make a discriminatory statement, (but not be required to verify or prove it), by saying that it was a “tongue in cheek” or a humorous statement.

However if someone repeatedly makes those “humorous” type discriminatory statements, then it becomes gratuitous, and would now constitute discrimination, and I’m particularly thinking of an academic Dr Susan Maushart, who repeatedly makes the most discriminatory statements about the male gender in the media, but then tries to disguises it as humour.

It does appear that there are rules for certain accademics, but not others.
Posted by Timkins, Tuesday, 6 September 2005 10:22:56 AM
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Attagirl Helen! Ecrasez l'infame!

But seriously, even if we ignore the unforgiveable laziness of those who insist on continuing the false attribution, what do we as a society want as a yardstick for freedom of speech? I cannot happily accept that properly researched information cannot be put into the public domain for fear of reprisals from folk who don't like the results.

I am in no way supporting Andrew Fraser here, as I am unaware of the context of his remarks and disinclined to check them out. But should we be kept in the dark on any honestly conducted research on this issue, simply because it involves colour? Lynn and Vanhanen in the UK did some fairly useful work on national IQ and its correlation with per capita GDP, which might conceivably find use in setting national education agendas - is this taboo as well?

I don't have any answers in a global sense, but I know I'd be concerned that information is being supressed simply because it might upset someone.
Posted by Pericles, Tuesday, 6 September 2005 12:33:25 PM
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I can't think anybody should be refused the right of FOS, including Fraser - but if I said something like that about an african work colleague, I'd prolly get the sack (after couselling from HR dep't). With Fraser as an "academic" from a Sydney University, there could be the perception that he represents a significant part of the population and then it falls into an issue of damage control so that the rest of the world doesn't think we're a bunch of mis-informed rednecks. But there I go exercising my right to FOS so sorry if I've offended any rednecks out there.

I'm more interested in where Fraser got his info from re africans/IQ. I thought these ideas had been thrown out years ago??
Posted by lisamaree, Tuesday, 6 September 2005 12:44:03 PM
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Helen,

At first sight, in a democracy, free thought, so much implied by Voltaire’s so-called quote - though I do not agree with what you say - I agree that you should have every right to say it - does have its dangers, as it is believed that Voltaire’s associates or of those who knew of him, such as John Locke and Montesquie, would agree that it is not so dangerous an underling saying such things, but one in leadership or in public respect, has to be much more careful what they say.

For example, Professor Fraser, in his apparent outright support of keeping non-whites out of a so-called democracy like Australia, even if his argument does hold some ground about a nation keeping its culture pure as we would in a breedstock stud situation, also as Hitler attempted to do with Germany, and as Japan has had some success in achieving, it must be remembered that one of the weaknesses of a democracy, and no doubt one of the strengths, concerns the mixing of cultures.

Consider being a boss or manager, for example, one might think certain things, but has to be careful about opinions, as respected leaders such as George Bush or John Howard must be careful much much more.

And if they do become loose in suggestions, as certain members of the White House have during these dangerous times, truly studious persons will wipe them right off. Also the expression not so long ago by our Federal Opposition leader Mr Beasley which could be an intimation that all terrorists are scum, is not very nice from any democratic leader, especially one with an Oxford education.

Furthermore, Mr Bush, when he said that Mike Moore had the right to publish all the slurs he liked considering America was a democracy, must have to be watched that he does not take liberties in expression like Moore has been allowed to.

George C, WA - Bushbred
Posted by bushbred, Tuesday, 6 September 2005 5:50:53 PM
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• This article is a good reminder of what the Murdoch Press will never print lest people become more informed and intellectually challenged. And we couldn’t have this kind of heresy now could we!
Posted by Rainier, Tuesday, 6 September 2005 6:22:40 PM
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Helen

As usual, thank you for a great article. You surely do know how to get my brain ticking and re-thinking issues.

Cheers
Kay
Posted by kalweb, Tuesday, 6 September 2005 6:42:17 PM
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