New research by Ipsos Mori has found that many Brits fear expressing their true feelings on race, religion and immigration in case they offend someone.
Their survey of two,300 people, conducted on behalf of the federal government’s Commission for Countering Extremism, found that half (49%) of individuals feel that others are far too easily offended, especially when subjects like race and religion come up.
Most people value freedom of speech in principle, nevertheless there may be a division between those that feel this principle is just not sufficiently protected and people who feel freedom of speech is secondary to freedom from abuse and discrimination.
As the report states, “This highlights the challenges of navigating free speech in a various society.”
The report found that a 3rd of individuals living in Britain be at liberty speech is just not sufficiently protected, while a fifth (19%) feel there is simply too much freedom of speech.
It also found that those concerned about “the pace of change” within the country and people with right-leaning economic views were more more likely to be concerned about free speech.
Those who feel others are too easily offended usually tend to be male, white, over 65 and Christian, while women, non-whites, younger people and non-Christians usually tend to say people needs to be more sensitive in what they are saying.
The study found that almost all individuals who held back from sharing their real views did so to avoid causing offence, nevertheless it was also found that 1 / 4 of those that refuse to debate religion did so as a result of safety concerns. Over a 3rd of individuals (38%) felt unable to debate Islam, in comparison with just 17% who felt the identical way about Christianity.
The researchers said that the “study reveals the complex interplay between the principle of free speech and the sensible considerations of navigating sensitive topics in a various society.”
“While free speech enjoys broad support, its application is influenced by social dynamics, personal values, and the precise topic at hand,” they said.
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