In an age of sensitivity and political correctness being highly stressed, the speech that Ricky Gervais gave at the Golden Globes was seen as offensive and harsh to the audience and subjects of his jokes. Ricky Gervais has been known to take jokes too far sometimes but as this was his last time hosting the Golden Globes, he let nothing hold him back from delicate or avoided topics.
In an article by Fox News, Ricky Gervais claimed that his freedom of speech was "The lesser of two evils." He said that people being offended or upset by his jokes is a lot better than having no freedom of speech at all. "I'm happy to play by the rules. It's just that 200 million people watching have different rules. That's the plight. When people say 'He crossed the line' I say 'I didn't draw a line, you did.' It's relative. It's subjective." Gervais is stating that he has every right to go on stage and make any remarks he wants as that is his right and if people have a problem with it, its their problem-he doesn't have to apologize for making them upset.
Gervais stated that he never attacked or accused one person of doing something, but when he made a joke, "He doesn't think he'll target any 'individual' but rather 'the general community'" (Wulfsohn). Ricky told Wulfsohn that "People like the idea of freedom of speech until they hear something they don't like."
However, Gervais criticized and devalued many celebrities acceptance speeches for trying to bring attention to serious issues. "Thank your agent and your God and get the f*** off" (Evans). He also said "You're in no position to lecture the public about anything," Gervais was trying to limit their freedom of speech and becomes critical of others when they try and do the same to him.
In my opinion, Gervais should not be restricted on his freedom of speech as that is his right but he should also not limit others from doing the same. It is a privilege to be given freedom of speech, as there are many countries where that right is restricted, but you should not abuse or create conflict with this right. It is Gervais' responsibility to be a role model for many people but using his right bring others down is not setting a good example, no matter how funny the joke may be. However, he as a human has his right to express his opinion as he pleases and admire his bravery to speak his truth and exercise his first amendment right, even if people criticize him for it.
https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/ricky-gervais-free-speech-golden-globes
https://deadline.com/2020/01/ricky-gervais-2020-golden-globes-monologue-video-1202821155/
