Seth Meyers Gives Passionate Monologue In Support of Free Speech
Last night, Seth Meyers applauded the Charlie Hebdo staff for releasing their first issue of their magazine after the horrific attacks on their offices which left 12 of their employees dead. To put out an issue under these circumstances is “a triumph for freedom of expression,” Meyers said. Three million copies sold out immediately and that’s a good thing.
It wasn’t all good news this week, however. Meyers mentioned that the French police arrested dozens of people for hate speech and defending terrorism yesterday including a French comedian who is known for his antisemitism and inciting racial hatred. While acknowledging that he probably wouldn’t “dig his comedy act,” Meyers cautioned against arresting people for racist screed, and believes that comedians with controversial acts should be permitted to perform them.
“If we really believe in freedom of expression it should cover him as well. It’s a mistake to believe that free speech means good speech, more often than not it means despicable speech. Defending the speech you believe in is easy. Defending real freedom of expression, like anything worth doing is very hard. It’s never good when a free society is arresting a comedian no matter how contemptible they may be.”
Instead, Seth urged people to protest or denounce people whose views we disagree with. He summarized by pointing out that if comedy could really start riots, we’d all be rioting about airline food.
