In full: Rowan Atkinson on free speech

The forerunner of the Defend Free Speech campaign was called “Reform Section 5”. This speech by Rowan Atkinson at the launch event in Parliament in 2012 should be heard by every politician, journalist and campaigner before they start calling for laws to silence those they regard as ‘extremists’.

[@WigglesNation]

so when is KZbin going to classify this as hate speech?

[@OmegonAlpharius007]

at curret rate of shit hitting the fan.....soon

[@joebloggs9957]

Very soon..........

[@flochforster88]

THIS IS HATE SPEECH

[@Butiguessilovememore]

@@flochforster88 go burn down your local target

[@flochforster88]

@@Butiguessilovememore Oh no I'm not a part of Burn Loot Murder

[@PaulRoneClarke]

He said this in 2012. How much worse has it got since then.

[@slevinhyde3212]

very very much

[@deathstrike]

Well I'm from America and here is how BAD it has become since Rowan said that. 1. There are banks cancelling credit cards and accounts if you happen to say something racy or "offensive" on your Twitter or Facebook. 2. Now (in the US at least) an employer can peek at your FB or Twitter and make job considerations based on that. 3. Now based on your credit score and some stupid "social score" you can now be denied a home loan, insurance, or all of the above. This bad enough for you? It's like the UK and the US are seeing which country can fall off the cliff faster. I'm surprised that YT still allows this video. They haven't labeled it "hatespeech" or "wrong think" .

[@F.o.s.t.e.r.]

@@deathstrike lmao. You sensitive fucking people. You have the right to say and do whatever you want but that does not exempt you from the consequences of doing so. Also, I'm going to need a source on the cancelled credit cards and the home loans. As an American who takes free speech very seriously, it seems I would have heard about either of those already. As a side note, people seem to be having a very difficult time acknowledging the difference between consequences of their actions and the products of their victim complexes. One mustn't forget that businesses are free to associate with who they so choose and must not be obligated to do business with people they chose not to (barring protected classes). None of what you listed is at all relevant to Rowan was talking about. You simply saw an excuse to parrot your victim hood mantra.

[@aidy6000]

@@F.o.s.t.e.r. yes but businesses should not have the right to discriminate who they employ if that person is fit & proper for the job. Today its discrimination of views and values tomorrow its discrimination of race and we're back to the 1960s.

[@F.o.s.t.e.r.]

@@aidy6000 your fear tactic won't work. Simply using a slippery slope fallacy, even when based on a false premise, does not make your point any less invalid. You sound like you ripped that hot take right from Carlson's white power hour. First off, no company can be obligated to hire somebody just because they're competent. Many other factors go into play during the hiring process. Among those are brand, culture, and character. If you do not fit the brand, if you cannot mix with the culture, and if you have poor character, it does not matter how good you are at the job. And, frankly, bigotry and anti-intellectualism are not qualities of people with good character, are not supported by the vast majority of successful brands, and do not mix with any culture that does not also think incest is acceptable. Furthermore, values and views have been the leading discriminatory factor for hiring since before the middle class existed. If you do not like this, you are more than welcome to leave this mixed economic country and find a place that does not care about it's citizens. I hear Russia and China are always looking for hard workers. On a separate and entirely unrelated note. There's a thing in societies called mores. They are not laws, per say, however they are concepts and ideals that a collective society agreed to adhere to. This is a standard part of a functional society. Instead of throwing temper tantrums because people won't bend to your will. How about acknowledging that what you have to offer is of no value and that's why people don't want you working for them, or near them.

[@therichieboy]

"The freedom to be inoffensive is no freedom at all". Brilliant words.

[@DailyDoseOfRandomLogic]

Being kind and humble is so overrated nowadays. Why not just be uncivilized and kill each other? Let's see how you can handle being "OFFENSIVE" to a guy 10 times bigger than you. FYI, get an appointment to a dentist a day before

[@i_jetlag]

@xrag Is that your argument against freedom of speech?

[@derickd6150]

​@xrag I am familiar with truth tables, mathematics and the logic you speak of. At the beginning of this comment you sounded like you might be about to make a smart point, but then you mentioned "physical constants" which implies you think you need an education in the physical sciences to have reasoned debate. This is simply not true. Further, while speech can be empty sounds, it is always reasonable to assume the person you are speaking to is trying to make some point, however convoluted the manner in which they go about it. To not assume such is the kind of arrogance that leads to thinking you have all the answers and need not receive input from anyone. Finally I have no idea what you mean by "this is a nonsense", since the person merely asked if your first comment was an argument against free speech.

[@boreragnarok249]

@xrag You can’t say “blah blah blah” after the shit you tried pulling.

[@JimboLivvo]

@@discretepulsarword waffle

[@MrSamVNoel]

The king of comedy came down from his throne to be the voice of the vulnerable ones. This is greatness. He pointed out the problem and gave a sounded solution! Very well articulated speech!❤ Thank you Your Highness.

[@cavemancult1999]

The vulnerable ones? Talking like some medieval peasant.

[@komentierer]

Highness 😂😂🤦

[@edet22]

All hail the King...🎉

[@chefzak6505]

"Feel free to insult me" If only people could realize just how important this sentiment is.

[@vethokhool960]

May I insult you?

[@elizabethstockdale2784]

Totally agree

[@vipulgupta3517]

@@vethokhool960 go ahead

[@anzulove7457]

Yes!! I love it!!

[@fairenough7984]

@@vethokhool960 I am the only one who can decide whether I will take offense or be insulted by your words😉. In essence, no. I will not let anyone get that thrill, lol.

[@herbaliser4207]

"When you tear out a man's tongue, you are not proving him a liar, you're only telling the world that you fear what he might say." - George R R Martin

[@jessicatevnan3137]

His name is Alex Jones and you can hear him on banned.video

[@herbaliser4207]

@@jessicatevnan3137 You mean the controlled opposition shill? No thanks =)

[@magnussohlberg4939]

@@jessicatevnan3137 Alex Jones is a clown and a toon. Come on. He's got no credibility left.

[@DundG]

Just because someone fears their words doesn't make the man right. It only proves that his words are dangerous for them, regardless of being the truth, lies or in between.

[@Thedrizzle404]

@@magnussohlberg4939 >Right on just about everything >"He has no credibility left" Why, because people like you deemed it so?

[@osraneslipy]

One of the most sensible speeches I have heard in the last 15 years.

[@daniel4647]

That's pretty funny considering this speech is ten years old. Clearly it didn't help much.

[@osraneslipy]

@@daniel4647 it definitely has not helped much :)

[@Wendeta-hq2cp]

​​@@osraneslipy It's been more like a prophecy really. And as Ancient Greeks know, you can't fight destiny :(

[@solarmaru49]

In other words, the left need to STFU

[@michalddddddddd]

No matter what context you are wrong on logical level. It doesn't matter if it's 3000 years old, YOU just HEARD it

[@alexcawthorne811]

I still consider this one of the greatest speeches in modern times and increasingly valid as the years go by. It's such a shame it wasn't made in Parliament.

[@sirato7058]

Now i like Rowan Atkinson more than ever.

[@thesorrow7499]

I didn't know Atkinson was a fascist.. What a shame. #CancelAtkinson

[@sirato7058]

@@thesorrow7499 Leftist why are you idiots?

[@eziospaghettiauditore8369]

@@sirato7058 I think he was joking considering he just put the hashtag up there

[@cerisejones8061]

I am gonna buy all of his movies now!

[@ProtoManiac2283]

Fellas don't be smoothbrains. Sorrow is very obviously joking

[@ommateti7017]

A funny world isn't it, I get my news from comedians and jokes from journalists.

[@troyesivan4416]

Its crazy how much things seem backwards today.

[@kaibarrera9911]

A funny world isn't it, many people like you value entertainment above all else causing news to mimic it.

[@doublequack]

*governments

[@amihere383]

@@kaibarrera9911 An interesting and quite rational look at the situation. The media only became this way because we allowed it to. Although, I do have to say, I believe the responsibility of the media is to the facts and the truth first, and views and profit second.

[@YourComputerExpert]

@@amihere383 To achieve this, media has to be excluded from the capitalist system.

[@northernbettygirl]

The audience were laughing as Mr. Atkinson was referencing three examples, then notice no one was laughing as he continued his powerful message. This is not Mr. Bean, but a man of knowledge who owns respect.

[@Hexicka]

Wow! Well put together. We need people who can think like this for the top offices. Everywhere. Truthful, bold, responsible, accountable.

[@jacknone1564]

People with those attributes have better things to spend their time on.

[@dorionite1378]

Crowd: *laughing* Rowan, eyeing them and thinking: "Did I make a fucking joke?"

[@demonpride1975]

i think the point he is making besides obvious, is that the current state of freedom of speech is a joke.

[@milesrudduck]

Yes; the lying media found this funny. Ironic, the media is cheering on the suppression of expression.

[@cw4608]

Exactly, just goes to show the jello filled brains inhabiting some peoples craniums.

[@nartron3000]

@@milesrudduck Cancel Culture

[@ZENIGMATV]

No laughs from me. He’s on point with how serious this issue is.

[@TheBollocksPictures]

"If people can't control their own emotions, then they have to start trying to control other people's behavior." - John Cleese

[@Cellem17]

Totally agree. Tell that to people who insult others in the name of freedom of speech.

[@Clay3613]

Comedians aren't the bastion of wisdom.

[@fransimms3803]

@@Clay3613 who said they were? Only you.

[@luckydave328]

@@Cellem17 Those insulted are free to respond.

[@Cellem17]

@@luckydave328 respond after the damage been done.

[@Samizouza]

Ironic that the little skit he did years ago was becoming a reality today, but that's definitely a speech worth listening to and much needed these days. Well said Rowan, beautifully spoken. 👏

[@energiasrenovablesdevenezu6919]

This should be shown on TV daily, so we wouldn't have any of the problems we have since 2020. Bravo Mr. Atkinson 👏

[@tarpnarp]

Didn't realise I could like him even more than I did.

[@imsoooboredjaehyun]

Ikr

[@antonimosvonswaghoven5961]

Can I join?

[@sillykicker0877]

I with you on that

[@robertdore9592]

He's an extravagantly talented man, and immensely intelligent too boot.

[@Paulthored]

Agreed.

[@jeremiahkivi4256]

When Mr. Bean makes more sense than your entire government, you know you're in trouble.

[@deadwingdomain]

Hes likely smarter than your local politician. Rowan is an amazing human.

[@poppawheelies3290]

"Entire government" Only the left is to blame for this, everything he has a problem with in this speech is created by a left wing ideology. If you blame your entire government, the chances are you have a chip on your shoulder.

[@deadwingdomain]

@@poppawheelies3290 that's BS. An only a right wing shill would say something so blatantly ignorant. PC culture steams from church going soccer mom types. That's a right leaning ideology. An they have no problem ignoring others rights for the sense of their own. You've been sold lies by that machine they program you tools with!

[@jeremyyo5469]

@@poppawheelies3290 The entire government is the protector of our rights. If a right is being abused or refused it's the fault of the entire government. Right vs. Left is a false battle pushed from the top to keep you to busy at each other's throats to see the truth. The people who we appoint to rule us, have failed us.

[@jeremiahkivi4256]

@@poppawheelies3290 says the guy supporting a side that doesn't have his interests. Clearly, you have the chip on your shoulder my friend, not me. Both sides are elitist in both American and British systems. Both systems need a reset, by blood if necessary.

[@catherinesmith7068]

Insult has become hate speech, how did we come to this!! Brilliant speech, needs to be heard more today.

[@shafikwrites]

I'm wondering too

[@danielc1792]

And not even insults: Scientology IS a cult! Even strongly-worded facts are hate speech...

[@chloegrobler4275]

no it hasnt.

[@NettoTakashi]

Insults and hate speech are NOT the same, and should NOT be treated as such. When you call someone an "ignorant sh*thead" and tell them they should "read a book," you are insulting them. When you call someone "a blight on society" and tell them they should "f*ck off and die," that is no mere insult, and to treat it as "just" an insult is to enable far worse. Yes, we should be tolerant of insults. But there are limits.

[@GRD383]

Thank you Rowan. What utter common sense, beautifully and articulately voiced. Please let's all get to grips with getting rid of the madness of intolerance to trivial things, and let's put it into history.

[@Joeah89]

Anyone else blown away by the fact that an actor possibly most known for a role in which the character doesn't speak has to be a champion for free speech..

[@davelow7586]

He was better known as the straight talking Blackadder to many of us.

[@deckyBWFC91]

His charlie Chaplin moment

[@kiriakoz]

The fact that he played the main characters in both shows how talented a comedian he is. One is very wordy and known for its word play, the other is pure physical comedy.

[@richardselby1711]

I appreciate your consise and profound opinion. Well said!

[@wickedmojoe5653]

You can say a hell of a lot without any words at all. I say this all the time.

[@andreaswagner6022]

"The strongest weapon against hateful speech is not repression, it is more speech." Could not me more to the point.

[@luisavanco5824]

Said by the man who has spent the last four years denigrating his successor.

[@tntstorms7969]

@@luisavanco5824 And was using the IRS to go after conservative groups to shut them down but he got caught. He also said he was "free of scandals". I have very little respect for Obama if any. He pretty much started the woke movement, kick started socialism, racial tension by saying Trevon Martin was the son he never had, social justice warriors, and changed his conservative views on marriage and illegal aliens. Ever since 2010 the U.S. has been very divided politically and it is even worse today because the media keeps creating more division. Trump tried to end the PC movement and had some success. God help us be normal again.

[@hybridh9702]

this is like a 14 year olds perspective though. if a word is bad just keep saying it until it loses it's effect which doesn't work out in reality because the world doesn't revolve around your speech. people find it really hard to put themselves in other peoples shoes. it's sad great people can be so self unaware

[@hybridh9702]

@@tntstorms7969 you're insane

[@jeffzuess9149]

@@tntstorms7969 I think Obama was worse than that, he took a study that had no scientific basis, a study that was highly criticised when peer reviewed and was tweaked to try to show an agenda that the so called psychologists wanted to follow and made it out to be fact. This study was the unconscious bias study evolving into what we know as the IAT tests. Just do some research to see how abhorrent this is.

[@golden.lights.twinkle2329]

Very eloquent and sensible speech which apparently was completely ignored and led to nothing.

[@KlausSgroi]

The comparison with children's immune system was spot on. I've never thought about free speech in that way, but it's absolutely true.

[@giftofthewild6665]

But we aren't allowed to build immunity the natural way anymore. Now we're all supposed to vaccinate ourselves instead of catch a cold.

[@kiwitrainguy]

"Saying "That's offensive" is not an argument." - Christopher Hitchens

[@rohanhope9985]

"That's offensive!" "Ah! So you concede?"

[@stevenichols2938]

No, but we're now on the record that Hitchens was offensive.

[@Metryk]

_It's not an argument, _*_asshole_*

[@usman1995ful]

"Saying "Your parents are ugly" is also not an argument" - me

[@boobowa63]

It's a statement, let's not try and outlaw that too😕

[@BeeDub57]

Imagine if more celebrities were even half as smart and eloquent as this one.

[@steveknight878]

Or politicians. Oh, wait - that's not going to happen.

[@lactobacilluslactis7461]

@deviantrebel well if people actually took the time to go through Rushdie's books like SHAME or Satanic verses, perhaps the outrage industry would have been a thing of the past.

[@TrickyP38]

@deviantrebel The Romans held actors in the same regard as prostitutes. I say we revise this tradition.

[@TheSkyballs]

the uk and eu are run by communists, that's the problem. if everything is getting worse and more communists have gotten into government then perhaps there may be a slight chance that there's a correlation 👨‍🏫🤡

[@rawr4233]

Check out Bean's I.Q score it's friggin bonkers dude is a genius

[@OmegaHermit]

One of the best speeches I’ve ever had the pleasure of hearing.

[@peterparker5484]

Highly educated role model … respect to this man

[@chriswesley594]

He's stating the bleedin' obvious and yet it's rare to hear it these days.

[@moondawg3693]

Fear is a powerful tool, used by cowards full of hateful intolerance, which in itself, is a result of their own fear. Question everything ! But put your bloody mask on first....

[@MEHtheshow]

Cus no one can get angry at bean

[@chriswesley594]

@White-Van Helsing Idiot.

[@chriswesley594]

@White-Van Helsing Why do you think I'm silencing your freedom of speech?

[@sharonlee4773]

@Andrew H SPOT ON MY FRIEND!!

[@dec13666]

When the silent guy in the classroom speaks for first time.

[@1LuvMLPFiM]

This ^

[@Terrabade]

When the guy in the comments puts, a comma in the wrong place

[@dec13666]

@@Terrabade Let me guess, it required a full PhD from your side, to come up with that, huh? 😂

[@Terrabade]

David Espinosa Indeed! Required an immense amount of brain power.

[@dec13666]

@@Terrabade Oh well, since you probably went under a divorce because of that, the least I can do is correspond to your time & effort investment. Here! Corrected 😀👍. Have a nice day!

[@davecap2641]

How far we have fallen when we have a pressing need to hear more smart and sensible discourse such as this. Well said and thank you Rowan.

[@durhamgrigg3125]

Hear hear. Thank you Rowan Atkinson.

[@IzaakCha7]

He was my hero in childhood, and for this he is my hero in adulthood

[@mikaelhinkkanen2664]

Mine 2. And well said sir. ☺️

[@quanj]

our*

[@akshy471]

So true

[@ultimaxkom8728]

@@quanj *OUR*

[@MALCONICAL]

Seems like you easily see hero's.

[@adambritain5774]

As George Orwell warned - once you stop speaking freely, you will soon cease to think freely.

[@nashvilleinitiation5786]

Adam Britain totally agree

[@crazywazy5527]

just FYI, George Orwell was a libertarian socialist and 1984 was as much of a critique of rampant authoritarian capitalism as it was a critique of rampant authoritarian communism

[@jasonharney8364]

Authoritarianism in all forms is wrong. Orwell can be right about the problem but wrong about the solution as so many have been before and since. The extreme of every political belief is terrible: whether it is Democracy, Capitalism, Communism, Socialism, Republicanism, Fascism, Libertarianism, Imperialism... the list goes on, but each pushed to the extreme is evil (some more than others). The best we've got so far is the western form of freedom based in Constitutional Republics/ Democracies. Freedom of Speech (& expression) are fundamental to the continuation of true progress.

[@cupcakemcsparklebutt9051]

That... is scary, I can relate to this a bit, can i have the source to this quote please,

[@geni2906]

Orwell was part of the elite. 1984 was a warning.

[@demilung]

I absolutely adore this man.

[@Adam-cr8qe]

The most offended I have ever been, genuinely, is when I have politely echoed this very sentiment to what you might call woke people. I have never encountered such hypocracy, rudeness, intolerance, and sarcastic patronisation in all my life.

[@florenna]

That perfectly sums up woke people, very true :) How has it ever come to the point where they hold the power, that should never have been allowed to happen!!

[@Zoleeka52]

"We need to build our immunity to taking offence" That's it.

[@andrewbailey7999]

@@simongill4715 That's also true, but this was a speech to bring light to the problem of censorship against free speech. Although the Murdoch empire also plays a big part in that, it's far from the whole problem

[@mrnulliustestikleezeeastee7365]

And people should strive to be nicer.

[@kerryh3833]

@@mrnulliustestikleezeeastee7365 But half of the time people are offended by something that was never intended to be unpleasant in any way. A culture of "offended because someone said anything at all" has developed. And that culture includes getting angry because someone has given you constructive criticism.

[@DJBillionator]

Then, covid strikes.

[@DJBillionator]

@@mrnulliustestikleezeeastee7365 Or, people should strive to be better people.....

[@otpyrcralphpierre1742]

Political Correctness is NOT the Language of a Free People.

[@grodt88]

its language of communism

[@Reivehn]

​@@grodt88 Its not even the language of communism. Its the language of authoritarianism.

[@PixelShade]

The biggest problem with the usage of "political correctness" on the internet is that free speech goes both ways. If you express values that goes against what is socially regarded as accepted, (being racist, nazi, homophobe etc. things that goes against established human rights). People will argue against you, due to moral standpoints. The person using "political correctness" as a slur is generally using it as a cheap defense mechanism in arguments since they want to silence the other party, bullying them to think that they somehow aren't "free thinkers". And THIS is where things go wrong in my opinion. In a world of free speech, take the argument instead. that's what it is all about. And I will always argue against people that have, in my opinion, bad moral standards. And I except people to do the same against me.

[@richardturner9317]

but the legal framework of choice for our political classes !

[@drummonkeystuffuk1875]

@@PixelShade Personally im sick of it all, sick of being told what I can and cant say, can or cant do, what opions im allowed to have etc - its ridiculous! They are taking away our humanity.

[@WilliamJohnwon1522]

Great speech by a very talented man. Never shut people up, there should have more talk not less and people with bad ideas, tall stories and fiction could be out-talked.

[@sandrafraser4759]

Thank you Mr Bean, you may not say much but when you do it is spot on.

[@24juan68]

How refreshing to see an Intelligent and eloquent man behind the mask of Mr. Bean

[@ogremair803]

Edmund To be fair, Mr. Bean was the most widespread work of Rowan’s, because of his humorous acts without uttering a word. No language barrier to hold him.

[@Speak_Out_and_Remove_All_Doubt]

I agree and think Rowan has made some very valid points but my first question to Rowan and supporters of this is, is there ever a free speech 'line' that shouldn't be crossed and if someone does cross this line then surely it must be right that consequences should follow ie being arrested? Examples of this line might be making monkey chants at black people or being verbally sexually explicit to a child. After all these examples are 'only words'. Hell, with enough time and the protection of unlimited free speech then you could almost certainly verbally bully any child into committing suicide if you really wanted to but surely someone who does this shouldn't be free and protected should they? For me it's not 'everyone must have free speech all the time on anything' as I don't think that works either. So my follow up questions if you supports are saying of course there's a line where free speech should become 'illegal' then: Where is that line? Who should decide where that line is drawn? And who should enforce the censoring of free speech so that the people whom cross this line are brought to justice?

[@trickydick7332]

@@Speak_Out_and_Remove_All_Doubt I think you gravely misunderstand how laws work. Those are specific scenarios scenarios with special provisions dealing with them. Free speech is not an inviolable principle, nonsense like section 5 or no, and no one's advocating it be made one. You don't need carte blanche to send a van of troopers to haul someone off for questioning, and later - court, over any comment that could possibly be construed as being insulting to some undefined other. It's merely the default. That is, if it doesn't break any specific law - and there is no lack of laws dealing with harassment or the other things you mention - it should be fine. And if it isn't, you make a new law for that scenario. It doesn't supersede anything, so your talk about some hypothetical defense of it being "just words", or a need to draw a line, just does not make any sense. Every law is a line. If you harass someone using "just words", you're going to get charged for harassment. If you threaten someone using "just words", you're going to be charged for issuing threats. If you blackmail someone using "just words", you're going to be charged with blackmail. You don't need nebulous, wide-sweeping laws like section 5 that criminalize any statement that could possibly be considered insulting to anyone for that. It's a non-factor. Section 5 or no, those laws still stand. The "free speech" you seem to be talking about does not exist and does not have proponents, at least not here. Nothing you said has anything to do with section 5 or anything else in Rowan Atkinson's speech. You simply do not know what you're talking about. Which, now that I look around, should've been obvious seeing as you're spamming this comment in every thread. You're clearly not here for the content. You're here to earn points for your "side". Grow up. Get a real hobby. Spamming youtube comments isn't going to affect any change. Get off your ass and leave your room if you want to fancy yourself an activist.

[@Speak_Out_and_Remove_All_Doubt]

@@trickydick7332 what you said is hurtful and I'm going to sue you!

[@ze2004]

never thought otherwise

[@1wldnczyguy]

He put his career in jeopardy, to stand up for ALL Britains, and their right to “free speech!”

[@lewiswooldridge4497]

No his career is done his multi millionaire and I'm pretty sure owns a f1 team or drives them. His career was done when he started Johnny english

[@timesmash]

He's a hero for saying these things

[@Kkgddj]

Not only britain its world wide

[@hewhoc8664]

All Britons.

[@vidyanandbapat8032]

In United States, we have a Bill of rights which is a part and parcel of the constitution. Amongst which, the 1st Amendment categorically says that 'Congress shall make no law abridging the freedom of speech or freedom of the press'.

[@gerarddonovan4145]

An intelligent man who is Beautifully spoken

[@daviddamasceno6063]

Hard believe that our society has decayed to a point where words of common sense like this must be spoken out loud. And it is terrifying to see that this is 4 years old, and things only got worse.

[@frozenrabbit5641]

I have seen a little glimpses of hope from UK lately. Maybe it will get better.

[@mother.95]

Indian here, We are watching this happening right now. Its heartbreaking.

[@henne2k]

The Speech is actually from 2012. don’t forget that. Even more concerning.

[@davidmoore2308]

Who thought rowan Atkinson would make a good English P.M

[@riklangham6739]

Even Mr. Bean would make a better P.M. than the fool we have to suffer . Rowan Atkinson would make an EXCELLENT P.M. .

[@bettyboo8214]

@@riklangham6739 much better than that old fool Corbyn.Not that he a had hope in hell of ever being elected.

[@arnijulian6241]

I would have. he's well spoken and thinks. it's just the mister bean persona that makes him look a tit. I miss his old works like black adder.

[@LGranthamsHeir]

Who wants to see Rowan Atkinson playing Jim Hacker in a "Yes, Prime Minister" reboot?? :)

[@arnijulian6241]

@@LGranthamsHeir I would not say a reboot but you could do a new show with influences/inspiration from yes, prime minister. loosely

[@K26650]

Rowan Atkinson really is a national treasure. Not only did he give us hours of laughs but he's willing to stand up for people who can't defend themselves.

[@baldrickthedungspreader3107]

He’s different to most so called “comedians” in that regard, he actually understands that humour has To be insulting to be actually funny

[@WakaWaka2468]

He's a real comedian. Intelligent. Not like these new young woke fucks like Amy schumer and James acaster

[@baldrickthedungspreader3107]

@@WakaWaka2468 well said, those other “comedians” ain’t got shit on Rowan Atkinson

[@ethansouthwick6380]

I’m American and I WISH America could claim him as a national treasure. 😁 Ah well.

[@marlonquintana3466]

*international treasure

[@solesoulsorrow]

It's somewhat ironic hearing a man advocate for free speech when said man is known for his silent work.

[@carlosfandango1931]

Totally agree, well said Rowan, the UK laws are mental.

[@ClergetMusic]

“Self appointed arbiters of the public good.” Couldn’t have said it better myself.

[@stephenreeds3672]

Mary Whitehouse has a lot to answer for.

[@merriemisfit8406]

It's as if all the people in the world who were always first "out" in dodge ball got together, read copies of "Rules For Radicals", and declared "NOW WE GET OUR REVENGE!!!". It's irrational, it's destructive, it's vengeful, and it's sociopathic at best -- psychopathic at worst.

[@chaseellett7498]

There is a term for that in socialpsychology called Mindguards. They filter what the group gets to know and keeps people ignorant so they can control them into hating who they want.

[@DannyThompson54]

“ .... a creeping culture of censoriousness...” We appear to have arrived.

[@halo12390]

indeed. i weep. (inb4 it reaches my country)

[@JodBronson]

Welcome to the Bipolar World !!!

[@hardworker5588]

and it's getting worse ... you haven't hit rock bottom if you can say "I've hit rock bottom"

[@happylarry7533]

When the young people become older people their young children will kill them for their views. That's the only positive I can find in this sad part of the human race. What goes around comes around!!!

[@Chaosraven97Spessmarinethuck]

Censorship so bad that it will inevitably tear my country apart(usa).

[@katherines2271]

You know we're in trouble when a comedian has more common sense than the people who call themselves politicians "running" a country. Bless you Mr Atkins ❤

[@SuperBobby1967]

Rowan Atkinson is surprisignly well spoken. His mind is sharp and his words cut deep into narcissits's nonsense.

[@tompeppint.v.3803]

Rowan Atkinson, I have watched your movies for years and had no idea for what you stood for till now. I am now a huge fan of yours and respect you even more. God bless you sir.

[@Minime163]

Rowan is just saying what the vast majority of people think. Political correctness is gone completely out of hand. Like he said he used to make comedy sketches of this stuff damn good ones I might add they had everyone in stitches laughting. Who'd have thought that they'd become the excepted society values I.e you can't criticise someone because their Irish for example well I'm Irish and I'll take constructive criticism from anyone, preventing people from stopping or condemning wrong doing just because of a person's race sexuality or gender does far more harm than good.

[@derschwarzgeist]

@walter mitty Unfortunately it doesn't seem the majority of people feel that way anymore.

[@millieann2367]

Refreshing Kind Humane God love him.

[@Jackaljkljkl]

@@derschwarzgeist I think they do, but any resistance could cost them their career, freinds (who might secretly agree with him/her, but can't say so for the same reasons), relationship/kids or - if this culture reaches it's natural destination - their life.

[@christianzilla]

Nevermind the films, watch the Blackadder series. Rowan at his finest.

[@richarddimeck4578]

This speech is more important now than it was when he originally gave it

[@mh1647]

richard dimeck exactly, I say that I like trump and BAM my cars windows get broken

[@ervindark9739]

I agree. Although, many people wow it now, but the moment they go outside they will forget all about his words...

[@amelialikesfrogs5778]

Yeah not a coincidence it's getting recommended to me now

[@romanplays1]

@@mh1647 they break your car windows you break their hospital bed

[@mh1647]

asura, being of wrath lmaooooo

[@keithdavies1395]

We'll always need people like Rowan,people that make us laugh.

[@upturnedblousecollar5811]

The law is doing a fine job of achieving the same result.

[@keithdavies1395]

@@upturnedblousecollar5811 Absolutely true,wonder where they're trained, Wankers 'R' Us. Being polite here, you understand.

[@RAWGRIP54]

First time I have ever saw this man serious.

[@KARKATELCESARENVIADODESA-pv4yd]

An actor that actually knows what he is talking about and is actually in touch with reality? good heavens!

[@R_Caine]

They're a dying breed. The fact that he's a highly educated gentleman might factor into that as well.

[@randomstreamer2868]

@@R_Caine I think you're right, Anthony Hopkins said himself during an interview that most actors don't really now how the world really works, he also said that he is willing to take part into intesresting discussions but that he would surely not contribute as much as an expert would. Self-aware and humble actors are so rare nowadays.

[@richardtickler8555]

People who do satire have to be informed, interested and clever

[@prot07ype87]

Hi, Doppio.

[@Sednas]

Rowan is one of the smartest comedians to ever live, which is why he's here talking about actual issues.

[@sooke54]

"If you don't believe in free speech for people you find repellent, you don't believe in free speech at all." Mark Steyn

[@madmaxrerisen]

Yup and I just think these fact checkers became karen's. Fact checkers with feelings. One persons lies, is another persons reality. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d3S5hn-ke9l4gcU

[@davidtaylor8304]

Life is a two-way street.

[@Shearwater6]

Sounds more like Noam Chomsky

[@57thorns]

@Pasha Staravoitau That depends on the definition. The US has a definition where hate speech and call to genocide is allowed, which on the other hand silences the victims of the hate speech. So I guess the lesson from that example is: Free speech is not only the right to say what it on your mind, but the right of others to critize your view with no other threat than being wrong. So I agree with you, but remember, that not everyone has understood this difference.

[@roflstomps324]

@@57thorns Hate speech is allowed, yes. Not a call to genocide. I don't know where you came up with the idea that people in the U.S. can call for the death of others. It just isn't true.

[@MultiMolly21]

I was raised in an English family and i must say the old "insult and recovery" bit is the core of British humor. It's easily misconstrued as actual insult and taken offense at, and I had to learn to subdue the urge in some social settings.

[@billyking722]

Roman Atkinson for prime minister let get this man in charge asap

[@mabimabi212]

This guy can take a serious topic, Make it funny but still taken seriously. That's a talent

[@thepotatoof4219]

Just like how it was funny as his car was getting crushed under a tank and then when he saw it, everything just turned sad.

[@ganerus5293]

はい

[@kaleb51]

Free speech is ok but ur not free of consequences.

[@ganerus5293]

@@kaleb51 What do you mean free of consequences, consequences like the gov jailing you?

[@ganerus5293]

@Seb Rosellini ok,

[@boriskaragiannis.7735]

comedians explaining basic human rights and politicians making people laugh...the story of our age

[@KaptifLaDistillerie]

It really do be like that...

[@MarceloRamos-uk8cd]

Dude this coment is so original, holy shit, you are my new god now, is really a unprecedent coment, i am being ironic if you stupid don't get

[@lacrymal1]

So true

[@sadlaw2799]

Best comment ever 😂

[@PeacePlease.]

Ha haaaa - WELL PUT!! Couldn't agree more!?

[@brianjay9811]

I was so impressed by this man's great wisdom and excellent delivery of his ideas. Bravo!

[@Krelian1]

Rowan Atkinson is a world treasure. If everyone were like him, the world would be a beautiful place. He shouldn't have to explain some of the most basic, obvious requirements for a free society.

[@t.m.3022]

It's easy to forget that Rowan Atkinson is a highly educated, incredibly articulate and intelligent man. Well said.

[@ishzarkklyon9590]

To me it isn't, the man's a genius and that's clear as the desert sky to me

[@presidentmariachi4287]

Easy for who? The man displays brilliance in every appearance.

[@flamenmartialis6839]

@@deez1321 Oh yes, the insults given by the variuos Black Adders. How great they are.

[@sondersonics7534]

@Ishzark Klyon Well most people just know him as Mr Bean or Johnny English...

[@Gwynsladle]

he's a professor bruh

[@jopetsumcad]

I see again that we learn more from comedians these days and laugh at the politicians.

[@ramteja1550]

@@wahideheydari4551 irrespective of whether or not it's original, one cannot deny the truth it has, especially in this generation. And the world has 7 billion people, you will DEFINITELY see this again 10 times by the next week👍

[@jopetsumcad]

@@wahideheydari4551 Not really sure if anyone else have said this. Just commented what I feel is the truth. Also had a similar comment to a Dave Chappelle video

[@dylanbasstica8316]

I feel its always been that way, look at the old story of how George carlin was arrested with another comedian, they let George go because he was pretty much a part of the Hollywood machine, not sure on the exact reason, but he realized this and changed for the better, him along with many other comedians of the time always preached about freedom and the dangers of censoring un popular speech.

[@codexnecro666]

Very true. Although last year Ukraine voted a comedian as their President and he swifty became "one of them". Although I think he didn't have much choice with Putin breathing down his neck. I don't think we will ever truly understand the pressure of a senior political role and how impossible it is to keep everyone happy.

[@donaldcrawford3596]

Especially career politicians. Without any scruples.

[@kylebowles9820]

Wow hes an incredible actor, epic driver (top gear!), and an astounding scholar. What an absolute badass, if I could make such an understatement

[@darrenlemaire8750]

I noticed he mentioned Lord Dear, but he didn’t mention Captain Darling 😂 Excellent speech Rowan.

[@jacobandersen6075]

“He who takes offense when offense was not intended is a fool, yet he who takes offense when offense is intended is an even greater fool for he has succumbed to the will of his adversary.” -Brigham Young

[@nutbastard]

Or as my late father put it, "It's not what they call you, it's what you answer to." Someone can only make you feel poorly with speech alone if you value their opinion. In being offended, one surrenders power to the offender. The only people who could possibly offend me are people I love, and only then if what they are saying is true. If what they say is not true, then it has no weight, and even if what they say is true, I probably already know it, so the saying of it brings me no discomfort.

[@arnox4554]

There are SO many good quotes by LDS general authorities past and present.

[@jacobandersen6075]

Nut Bastard Man. I love that insight thank you.

[@jacobandersen6075]

Arnox Immordium Are you a member?

[@arnox4554]

@@jacobandersen6075 Yes.

[@neoxenoz3262]

When the world becomes a joke that Mr.Bean is no longer trying to be funny

[@proactiveomnipresentvessel6569]

sad😔

[@calebbasiao6167]

Word.

[@matguimond92]

Mr Bean was never funny.

[@kael1716]

@@matguimond92 You are sadly missing out on some of the finer points of life.

[@rafaelmaleakhilumbanbatu9873]

@@matguimond92 one thing for sure, you arent funny

[@arepadetrigo]

Yes. And any insult can be construed as a "hate crime".

[@robertogiorgetti6870]

A very high level speech. I fully agree.

[@debranowell4698]

Disagreeing with someone does not constitute hate speech.

[@user-ji2gg8gi9p]

Depends on how you are disagreeing. By legal attack, by crossing the person out of the right to disagree, or by braking into his home and arrest him! They all are happening now a days as referring to covid19 negative opinions.

[@newworldorderguy4040]

@@user-ji2gg8gi9p only problem is that's not actually happening. The only ones being arrested are shit-stirring conspiracy theorists, who can't be bothered with a real job so they resort to manipulating vulnerable and gullible people for a living. They don't have an opinion to begin with, they have an agenda. They're not being silenced, they're being dealt with.

[@BoondockRoberts]

Many hard left people think they are centrists. So to argue with them is to be extreme right in their biased point of view. This is why they've been attacking even the left of center and crapping on the legacy of greats such as MLK. Now the hard right is crazy too but at least they have the decency to know they are hard right.

[@larryphilby4918]

@@newworldorderguy4040 The problem with your glib and facile comment is who gets to determine what speech "needs to be dealt with" - as if some wise and benevolent agency was there to pass judgement on what speech was worthy and what was not. What needs limitation is governments that feel they have the responsibility to determine what is acceptable and what isn't. The mass of people are better at that than any "enlightened" expert.

[@newworldorderguy4040]

@@larryphilby4918 do you need someone to explicitly point out who is talking bullshit? Have you never noticed that they all follow the same patterns, and they have done since the first ever cult was formed? I'm going to ignore your "glib and facile" part and assume that's just you exercising your right to free speech, rather than passing sound judgement.

[@RoninIFT]

Twitter is calling Rowan a "racist sympathiser" ffs how can you hate rowan?

[@Nisshoku]

Twitter as an entity isn't calling anyone anything.

[@dislikereporter2271]

@@Nisshoku You know what he meant

[@samiraperi467]

Easy. In this talk he's talking from a position of power without recognizing how intolerance works if you're not a middle aged upper class white male. What he's advocating *would not affect him*.

[@WalkingRoscoe]

Twitter is a cesspool full of liberal turds.

[@joeschmoe3860]

@@samiraperi467 He literally said that he knows he will barely or even at all be affected by these laws, and he knows that. But he's advocating for reforming a shitty law that apparently allows you to be arrested for saying something going against social standard. How the Hell is that racist?

[@giorgioflammia3269]

Well spoken 👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍 from Italy UK Greece 🇮🇹🇬🇧🇬🇷

[@bluechild907]

Mr. Bean turns out to be an intellectual of the rarest kind. Respect.

[@umbrotheumbreon3824]

Mr. Bean is smarter than most people in the government.

[@andreah.681]

Yes, all over the world. Love from Merkill-Germoney 🌎🕊🙋🏼‍♀️🇩🇪 Freiheit und Selbstbestimmung !

[@melonmode4128]

@RedDemoon it's pointing out the fact that people nowadays are so sensitive that they will contact the police and ask them to make an arrest on somebody because of what they said online, and the police respond to this call and make the arrest, not because someone *has* caused offence, but because they *might* cause offence. Police in the UK have becoming increasingly more responsive to these kinds of calls, and have started to bend more to the will of the "politically correct". It's at a point where police won't arrest people of colour or Muslims, because they're scared that they'll be called racists/islamophobes, which could lead to a mob demanding they be arrested or shut down.

[@dscruiter]

Not sure if it was a verified article about IQ testing, but it stated he had a very high score, like 170--180 region. That would make him smarter than any parliament member.

[@Gypsyjoe67]

Change MOST to ALL

[@Johny40Se7en]

Mr Bean for president 💪😆😜

[@TheKrazyGoob]

Mr. Bean breaks 30 years of silence with a very important message!

[@EK-em2zv]

You might have missed, black adder, the thin blue line and ofcourse the more recent johny english 😉

[@adamsandler1211]

E K he wasn’t called mr bean in them you just mugged yourself off

[@ninjawasabie565]

He does speak he says beeeean

[@EK-em2zv]

Adam Sandler ahh crap😅

[@SirMarshalHaig]

@@EK-em2zv Blackadder? Splendid fellow, who knows how to handle a sliced mango.

[@kwesigafrank6442]

The brilliance behind this, it's both true and entertaining, delivered with rebuke and yet comical, simultaneously, rehashing a decades old joke that is as good now as it was then. Mehn, I'm getting a headache exhausting the sheer genius of this Icon.

[@toucheguy]

His words come deeply in our minds and hearts.

[@dandong8351]

Censorship is telling a man he cannot have a steak, just because babies cannot chew them. - Mark Twain

[@Gureenu]

censorship is telling a man he cannot have a chew, just because babies cannot steak them. -Murk twins

[@keisi1574]

@@Gureenu Cents, or ship, are at Bay B Twain; marked by a chewed stake. - Two Murky III

[@dandong8351]

ALMualim - المعلم about as funny as a burning orphanage. Try harder next time “ye bro”.

[@saturdaymorninggaming5628]

@@dandong8351 sooo.... Fucking hilarious then? I mean come on... Their parent didn't want them around and now neither does god.

[@bconni2]

@@Gureenu censorship is telling an Arab he can't have a pita because a camel can't chew them

[@larrydavid530]

It's hard to believe we've come to this.

[@sinephase]

just have to look at britain, australia and new zealand to see what's in store for the rest of the west if we keep letting commies into power by using our empathy against us to control us. It's sickening.

[@alidarke3132]

@@sinephase yep police have become very powerful since covid. It is becoming like pre WWI Germany what I studied at school in history is actually happening again.

[@sinephase]

@@alidarke3132 I'll have to look into that :)

[@alidarke3132]

@@sinephase look up Avi Melbourne and Sydney arrests

[@drivenbyrage5710]

As adults, we should have seen this coming a long time ago. Homestly, I blame myself, you and society as a whole. No offense We could have, should have stopped this before it happened.

[@lloydmunga4961]

This is the most I’ve ever heard Rowan speak , and it’s quite eloquent at that

[@kaysims7543]

Americans would well benefit from the wisdom of Rowan Atkinson.

[@Duke-Broadway]

Well it’s 2020 and KZbin just suggested this to me........

[@e.colemantlpss6406]

Genuine UK me too. Go figure

[@remkojerphanion4686]

Me as well

[@MagicAyrtonforever]

Me three

[@charlottewilson8740]

Irony Xx

[@charlottewilson8740]

The videos I watch now give links to other sites cos they can't talk on KZbin Xx

[@henrytang2203]

A highly articulate and meaningful speech from a silent comedian & electrical engineer. Rowan Atkinson is indeed a man of many talents.

[@davidc9135]

Imagine if this was a Mr Bean episode where he's somehow landed on stage and is terribly timid with the situation of course, but then he whips this speech out. The episode title could be 'Mr Beans First Words'

[@TankswillRule]

Also Blackadder!

[@johnp515]

He’s only a silent comedian in one or two roles.

[@jansveen]

Silent? 😂😂😂😂

[@schwags1969]

He does use his voice in many of his roles, Mr. Bean is a great character.

[@wizardofwoz8010]

Would love him to be prime minister, but he is far too honest, genuine, uncorrupted, coherent and above that position on a human level. God bless you Rowan. A true gentlemen and a genius in his field. X

[@IntelligentArtefact]

Geniuses don't have fields. Even Clarkson has a field

[@Claude-Eckel]

4 years ago? I thought that was only yesterday. So the old issue has remained unchanged ever since...uh-huh.

[@BrandydocMeriabuck]

Wait, we still have sensible celebrities in this country? Holy shit

[@garychap8384]

When it takes Mr. Bean to talk some sense into us - you know it's getting bad.

[@WakaWaka2468]

@@garychap8384 He's a Cambridge graduate

[@forksandpopsticles9183]

@@WakaWaka2468 And he's Mr. Bean

[@brentblack2878]

@@forksandpopsticles9183 💀

[@patrickgrenier4331]

Should listen Gervais to😁

[@DeZilla01]

"If someone insults me, I can just send them to re-education camps." -Winnie the Pooh

[@crazydinosaur8945]

CCP would like to know your location

[@raees6330]

Winnie the Pooh said that????

[@saiyan-lord4714]

@@raees6330 The leader of China... He hates being referred to as winnie the poo

[@mist3325]

Not to forget that winnie da poo has also failed his vibe check test

[@shlomoshekel]

My deadass thought you was talking about the cartoon bruh

[@leepii]

Some of the best use of the English language since Shakespeare.

[@alexluthiger731]

Probably the most important speech since Christ's sermon on the mount.

[@EarthScienceEnjoyer]

We live in a time where clowns make more sense than politicians...

[@zuhairkhan900]

Best speech ever delivered on this subject. He surpassed the politicians

[@willywonka9967]

Fair play to you...Rowan for making this very good speech...the government, worldwide are up to something very big....

[@JakeWitmer]

Other than Daniel Hannan, I agree

[@loop1479]

@@willywonka9967 Hey Willy, you haven't figured it out yet? TOTAL control.

[@willywonka9967]

Oh I'm awake a long time ago, common sense is the key...non conplicance..👍

[@user-ew1hh1oj1p]

Похоже он превосходит всех за что берётся

[@tole9218]

if insult was a crime then Gordon Ramsay would be a threat to national security

[@anderstopansson]

Ha,ha, I´m a cook too and I think the MSM is worse.

[@JargonMadjin]

This comment needs more likes

[@VaughanRoderick]

It's a crime to swear in public in Australia. For cunts sake, Australia.

[@JargonMadjin]

@@VaughanRoderick How do they even manage?

[@VaughanRoderick]

​@@JargonMadjin They don't it's near fucking unenforceable. It's a tool for the police so they can arrest anyone if they need to. If they can't find an actual reason they'll just tag it on because we swear by habit. It's fucking disgraceful.

[@boko1564]

For a man who makes silly skits. He makes more sense on this issue than anyone else I’ve heard.

[@DannyOccoquan]

Nailed it. Applies dead-on to the "New" Florida.

[@greenatom]

A smart, well-spoken man with a good education, expressing logical opinions. Sadly, so rare these days.

[@ayylmao2420]

Sandy Jones You really out here saying diversity affects intelligence

[@ayylmao2420]

Sandy Jones do tell what’s happening in those cities. Burst my “liberal bubble” with facts and stats.

[@cptgrimm]

Who's here after Trump got silenced on all platforms? "The strongest weapon against hateful speech is not repression, it is more speech."

[@comments.are.turned.off...]

Its just the beginning. Ibe been on KZbin for years. Suddenly they closed my account without notice. No email. No warning. Just a screen saying my videos had breached their rules. I'VE NEVER HAD ANY VIDEOS!!!! I know it's becasue of WHAT I watch and my views. They are watching EVERYTHING you write. I just accept that they'll do it again soon. I warned you all. Have a good day.

[@michaelwier1222]

@@comments.are.turned.off... Just yesterday I was watching a video concerning magazines in pop-pops (can't use the word I'm thinking of, hope you catch my drift). A troll made a comment about Beto coming to take the pop-pops. I commented to him with the words 'Molon Labe'. This person quickly replied to me saying that I have been reported as inciting violence. Can you believe it? I'm with you bro. When will it end? When will it end? Take care, be safe.

[@ottersirotten4290]

same

[@comments.are.turned.off...]

@@michaelwier1222 Agreed. This won't end. It'll get worse yet. Off to the Dark Web I guess lol

[@Beer_Wolf]

My clean account of well over a decade got terminated without warning for "Hate Speech" because I made [civil] comments not agreeing with BLM and their actions... 🙄

[@susanorchard1994]

Very well prepared speech, by a highly intelligent man. Many forget just how intelligent Rowan Atkinson truly is.

[@wangeroogerque2931]

I can't believe this is four years old. This works so much today, too.