Hey, I do agree and don't agree, for the same reasons perhaps. My words are a bit utopian I suppose, and I do realize things aren't black and white. People need to have the wits about them to know what impact stuff has on them as a person, and this is really difficult to do. in my mind, that's a problem of our world, but that's i guess an personal issue i have with it. it's not a requirement for people to be more conscious, though i'd wish they (and myself!!) were.
I think, people should be free to talk, even say nasty things, and others should have thick skin. But, i don't insult people, because i don't like to hurt people, even though i don't think they should be hurt by my opinion even if i give it. so you are right its a bit in the middle, where at one side it's a problem things impact people collectively, and on the other side people should not let things impact them like that.
They are free to choose, but the choices might not always be clear or known.
The complexity in this area is a reason why i'm a proponent of public education, more societal focus on it, etc.
I suspect a big part of personal responsibility is the assumption that the average person is intelligent and capable of making informed decisions. Something i suspect many aren't, these days. Which isn't to say that we're all uneducated morons, but rather that many of the areas i brought up are purposefully being kept dark, obscured, etc. Which makes informed decisions.. well, difficult.
Anyway, sorry for the tangent, just wanted to bring it up. Appreciate your time :)