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March 03, 2012

Let's give this another go

Earlier today, I watched a video that insinuated that Rick Santorum is gay and heartbroken, so he supports anti-gay marriage politics to express his frustrations with a lover who scorned him. It was ridiculous and obviously satirical and we've all seen a million of those types of videos. But in other countries, where politics and government are taken seriously, that video would be totally taboo. Nobody would ever make a video like that about anyone in the U.A.E., for example. But for Americans, that type of creative political expression is a basic human right and a very important part of free speech.

I deleted my last blog because my definition of free speech was too broad. Nothing was defamation, (by my American standards.) I didn't actually get in trouble for the blog, (as far as I know.) And everything I said was true, (from my perception.) But I need to be more sensitive to the country that I am allowed to live and work in. If there was any chance that anything was remotely defamatory or illegal or untrue, I am responsible for that. I need to be responsible for my words.

I'm still debating what that will mean. Anonymity is no longer under preservation. Perhaps that will be enough to keep me from blabbing away. I'm contemplating not talking about my boyfriend. But that would be strange since he consumes so much of my time. He also happens to be an Arab, thus our issues are often a wonderful microcosm of larger issues. I probably shouldn't talk about my job at all. Which is strange since it's the only reason I am in this country and (theoretically) the only reason I remain. Thus the two biggest things in my life are banned from the list of discussion topics. And what's left?

We shall see. I miss blogging though. So let's give it another go...

10 comments:

  1. That is something that I did not know about the UAE - I do not know what it's like to not have free speech at my disposal.

    However, issues aside, I'm happy to hear that you're employed again!

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  2. Girl, I wouldn't have found your blog if I didn't see your comment at Sarai's site. :-) Anyhoo, I'm glad you are back! And like Stephanie, I am glad you are employed. :-)

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    1. Aiya, I tried to send out a batch of emails letting people know, but it was based on an old database of commenters, so it definitely did not include everyone who should have been included. I'm glad you found me! :)

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  3. 1) YAY YOU'RE BLOGGING AGAIN!
    2) YAY YOU'RE EMPLOYED!
    3) Did I mention I'm glad you're blogging again? :D

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  4. Wait you have a boyfriend? Since when? (out of the loop)

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    1. I had just started hanging out with him around the time the old blog was deleted, so it's not weird to have missed that detail. But yes, I have a boyfriend now. I was shocked to hear it too. The first time he asked if he could call me his girlfriend I straight up said no. But at this point it would be weird if I didn't allow it.

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  5. It's great that you're employed, but like Stephanie said, without the freedom of speech... Well, that would just be difficult. >.>

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    1. Yeah, it is difficult. But it's also probably a wonderful communications exercise on some level... maybe.

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