A public figure’s reaction to criticism and freedom of speech I
In a small kingdom, a daughter was born into the royal family. The palace communication service designed the christening celebration as a grand event that would bring together many important guests. The queen, wishing her daughter to receive as many blessings as possible, wanted to invite all the enchantresses of the realm. However, the king declared that he did not want the Moon Enchantress to appear as a guest at the feast, for the Moon Enchantresses had often criticized and ridiculed the King’s deeds and decisions in public.
What would you say to the King if you were the Queen?
- 1. I say have you considered that if someone suffers for expressing a critical opinion, people may no longer dare to voice their thoughts freely.
- 2. I say it would be appropriate to swallow your personal offense, for as a public figure, you must endure criticism with greater dignity than an ordinary citizen.
- 3. I say that I understand the king’s displeasure and that I support him.
- 4. I say that I understand his displeasure and ask whether he had considered how not inviting the Moon Enchantress might affect our relations with the community of enchantresses.
- 5. I say that the most important thing is our little daughter, and for her sake, all the enchantresses must be invited, regardless of who we personally like or dislike.