Author, Reader, or Text? (aka Canonicity Slapdown 2005)

[davem]

Originally Posted by The Saucepan Man

We should not (and cannot, without the establishment of Thought Police) place any limits on freedom of interpretation. Where we can and should place limits is on the reader's ability to turn such interpretation into action, such as where it will result in loss or harm to others.

So, for example, we cannot stop white supremacists believing that LotR supports their repugnant views. But we can limit their ability to propagate those views by means of legislation prohibiting the incitement of racial hatred.

So, is promoting 'racial hatred' objectively wrong, or are you simply seeking to impose your interpretation on others, & force them to live by your standards?

You seem to be saying that there is some objective standard of right & wrong by which the behaviour of individuals should be judged. If so, can one not argue that there is a 'right' & a 'wrong' interpretation of a work of fiction?