MobileRead Forums - View Single Post - Is it ever okay to condemn a book without even attempting to read it?

FizzyWater · 08-16-2017, 07:50 PM

I've been reading this thread for days, trying to think about how to answer this question without getting into topics best left for the P&R forum.

In the US, we have the right to say almost anything
- That doesn't mean there may not be consequences to the speaker or others
- I know there are certain exceptions to that right
I'd rather not live in a country that didn't have that right
I don't have to like what people say, and very often don't
I don't have to let others' opinions change my mind, and very often don't

With that in mind, I'd have to say that "yes, it should be okay to condemn a book without having read it". I cringe even typing the words, but I do believe people have a right to think and say what they want.

I don't have to like it or act on it, although I'm sure I've agreed more than once (e.g., I pretty much agree with the horrible reviews for the 50 Shades books, although I don't think I've read more than a clip or two).

If I really care about the topic being condemned, I have an equal right to offer an opposing opinion. Whether I'd be willing to put up with the dog-pile that would probably arise in such a case, I don't know. I don't have a Twitter account, but I have been involved in some pretty ugly conversations on blog posts in my day.

Sometimes it's easier to shake my head, back away from the computer, and give everyone a few days to calm down.

08-16-2017, 07:50 PM	#146
FizzyWater You kids get off my lawn! Posts: 4,220 Karma: 73492664 Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Columbus, Ohio Device: Oasis 2 and Libra H2O and half a dozen older models I can't let go of	I've been reading this thread for days, trying to think about how to answer this question without getting into topics best left for the P&R forum. In the US, we have the right to say almost anything That doesn't mean there may not be consequences to the speaker or others I know there are certain exceptions to that right I'd rather not live in a country that didn't have that right I don't have to like what people say, and very often don't I don't have to let others' opinions change my mind, and very often don't With that in mind, I'd have to say that "yes, it should be okay to condemn a book without having read it". I cringe even typing the words, but I do believe people have a right to think and say what they want. I don't have to like it or act on it, although I'm sure I've agreed more than once (e.g., I pretty much agree with the horrible reviews for the 50 Shades books, although I don't think I've read more than a clip or two). If I really care about the topic being condemned, I have an equal right to offer an opposing opinion. Whether I'd be willing to put up with the dog-pile that would probably arise in such a case, I don't know. I don't have a Twitter account, but I have been involved in some pretty ugly conversations on blog posts in my day. Sometimes it's easier to shake my head, back away from the computer, and give everyone a few days to calm down.