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Q: Are we really so limited in our freedom of speech in China?
For many of us who are born in a country where freedom of speech is garanteed as a constitutional right, by coming to China we may have found this unalienable right be somewhat limited by the laws or policies in force here.
But, I wonder if our freedom of speech is totally limited here?
On this website, how many of us have rightfully or not criticized, insulted or talked badly about China, Chinese, Chinese culture or traditions, etc without being "banned" by the administrator or worse sued by some Chinese citizens?
1) What would happen if from instance back in US, one would write that "African-american culture and traditions are stupid" or that one doesn't like Afro-americans? Wouldn't his comments be banned or face some lawsuits by local human rights organization or private citizen?
2) What would happen if in Europe you say you're against the death penalty or the immigration? Wouldn't you be immediately called "fascist", "nazist", "xenophobe", etc.
I due recognized that in many aspects China forbids both foreigners and locals to freely express their opinions, but do our own country grant us also a complete freedom of speech?
On a private internet forum in Australia you can pretty much say what you want as it is entirely dependent on the type of forum what the moderators will wipe or not. There are laws though that do prohibit racial vilification sexual harrassment etc. These along with slander and deformation laws are more about saying things in public that can upset groups or individuals or lead to discrimination or to say something that will hurt some one or their reputation when it is untrue. This has nothing to do with freedom of speech. Freedom of speech is about expressing your views, practicing your religion, rteporting the facts, debateing issues etc reguardless of if it paints the subjects of those discussion in a bad light.
Alex66:
You are not guaranteed that your reply will be posted at all!
Traveler:
Woody. It's spelt "defamation" and the costs are so high in Australia, the average person can't afford to sue under these laws. However, Australia also has what are generally regarded as the most extreme anti-sedition laws in the western world, and these are the biggest worry to the Australian media.
Um Idk what part of the U.S. you are from where people can't speak negatively about African Americans or any other group they want (such as Mexicans, Muslims, etc) because where I am they certainly can. In instances where an individual has poorly represented a greater organization the organization itself may have chosen to respond by firing the individual, etc. But little else can be done. I've never heard of lawsuits simply for speaking negatively about someone or some group.
On the other hand, slander and libel are illegal. You can also be punished for so-called free speech in a situation of clear and present danger, such as yelling "fire" in a movie theater, bomb threats, etc. But the original intent of the framers in including free speech in the first amendment was actually in regards to openly criticizing the government. And by that definition I say yes, Americans have demonstrated the greatest ability I'VE seen to openly criticize the government with our fear of reprimand or punishment.
lauramsr:
Now, will we foreigners be punished for inquiring curiously about their government and restrictions? Ex. I've begun to ask my Western intern-mates about the social insurance law,standards of living vs. welfare, etc but they don't seem to know much about it so I would like to ask a Chinese person for his/her opinion, but I am afraid I would either offend them or get them and myself in trouble. What is your experience in that sense?
HugAPanda:
I guess it would be how you phrase your questions, maybe? Keep them innocent, make sure they aren't offending, condescending, argumentative, derogatory, critical... etc. But I don't know for sure, I don't live there yet.
HugAPanda:
There is also this article, which seems to explain the social insurance policy fairly plainly, but who knows if it will actually go like this http://www.echinacities.com/expat-corner/a-foreigner-s-guide-to-the-new-mandatory-social-insurance.html
HAHA.. the few friends I have told that I am coming to China are concerned my mouth and my opinions are going to get me in trouble there. One is so concerned, he is threatening to come with me to keep my free speech mouth duct taped. 
lchickman:
My parents are concerned about me, too. Actually, I'M even concerned about me. Sometimes I have to make myself clamp my mouth shut. I've been known to bring the government & politics into many classroom discussions with my older students. During one class my students said they didn't think there were restrictions in China and I went berserk. I need to stop! haha
"1) What would happen if from instance back in US, one would write that "African-american culture and traditions are stupid" or that one doesn't like Afro-americans? Wouldn't his comments be banned or face some lawsuits by local human rights organization or private citizen?"
In the states, calling cultures and traditions stupid by any individual or group isn't illegal, and can not get you sued. Look at the country's religious leaders who flame other religious groups. Right now, we have two potential presidents going back and forth about Mormonism. The worst that can happen to either of them is they won't be elected to office. Which, is a good thing really, because our government decided freedom of religion is our right. (And I won't vote for any public figure who brings religion into his campaign.)
Racist thoughts and racist words aren't really illegal, unless they are used to harm or harass an individual. But, it is very rare that one would get into trouble for name calling. Otherwise, many Americans would be locked up. Even skinheads and white supremacists have their rights to protest jewish/black/any other "group" that isn't an inbred redneck from the back woods of Kentucky. (Now see, I won't get in trouble for saying that.)
What is illegal is when those racist thinkers and racist protests turn to violence (or threats of violence) to "solve their issues." They are charged with hate crimes, which, theoretically. no matter how "minor" the offense, is worse than premeditated murder.
And yes, the racist will get backlash from the groups he hates, but that's legal too, as long as it doesn't turn violent.
2) What would happen if in Europe you say you're against the death penalty or the immigration? Wouldn't you be immediately called "fascist", "nazist", "xenophobe", etc.
I don't know much about Europe's stance on the death penalty or immigration, but I do know if you are against what the gov't says, you aren't going to be legally punished for it. And yes, just like in the states, you might be labeled as a fascist or nazi or xenophobe. You may become an outcast to society. But, to be honest, no matter what your beliefs are, someone is always going to agree with you, and someone is always going to disagree with you.
And that, my friend, is the beauty of the western world. In most places, you are allowed to think freely, and speak out for what you believe in. Will there be consequences if you don't believe the same as the popular beliefs? Of course. Will you get prosecuted for it? Not so much.
In China... can you be assured of the same? Can you speak out against the govt without fear of retaliation from the govt? Hell, China locked up Liu, a Nobel peace prize winner for “inciting subversion of state power” when he wrote a petition calling for pro-democracy reforms in China. Not only was he locked up for 11 years, his family wasn't even allowed to attend the ceremonies.
There is no death penalty in Europe....
Europe is much more free than the US for most parts. Have you heard about the ban on dancing at the Lincoln memorial? Try to find it on Youtube. There are many incidences were there is no freedom of speech.
My problem with the so called "freedom of speech" is that its a cover up for a plutocracy. What value does free speech have, if there is no free thought?
Besides the inaccuracies about the laws in the US and Europe the question rises good points behind:
Why do you feel oppressed here and do you? Isnt what triggers these feelings a false consciousness about a right they say you enjoy? Isnt there as much ideology on all sides?
nevermind:
I've seen the benefits of free speech. They exists. Just summing things up in such a black and white way is really shallow and lazy.
Regarding excuses.. check this out!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=wRyZxhtQBtk
I would, but the great firewall prevents me from doing so.
