Free Speech And Hate Speech - 1000 Words

The first couple of weeks in this semester we discussed a lot in class about the power of language. One of the main thing we talked about is what the difference between hate and free speech is, and what the first amendment does to control them both. The first amendment states that congress shall make no law that abridges the freedom of speech. But to what extent should language be protected? The rights of one man should reach until they shadow over another’s. Meaning free speech is protected until it violates the rights of another. Hate speech is the line where free speech becomes unconstitutional. The contrast between free speech and hate speech is a heavily discussed topic in today’s society, for good reason. The differences between the two can be blurred and hard to distinguish at times. This is because the very definition of hate speech is disputed. I was taught in class, and know, hate speech to be any language that incites violence upon a particular religion, race , or any classification of individuals. Because threatening violence upon a group violates their constitutional rights that is where the line is drawn. On the other hand, some consider the definition to include offending or insulting these groups of people, this definition is misleading. Technically under the first amendment one is allowed to be insulting toward factions they just cannot cross that line of violence. A good example of this, which was brought up in class, is Donald Trump. He has been quotedShow MoreRelatedFree Speech vs Hate Speech Essay1647 Words   |  7 PagesFree Speech vs. Harmful Hate Speech Freedom of speech is instilled at the beginning of the Bill of Rights and it allows citizens of the United States to express their opinions without being afraid of what might happen to them, much like in other countries. Many times people are directly or indirectly harmed by others’ actions that are considered a right under the freedom of speech clause. Though, some people worry that if we do not allow for complete freedom of speech, it is hard to figure outRead MoreFree Speech vs. Hate Speech Essay1362 Words   |  6 Pageshistory, the United States Constitution has been put to the test over the issue of free speech. The First Amendment states, Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances. Even though free speech is one of the core American values pro udly embedded in each citizen, some poopAmericansRead MoreFree Speech Vs Hate Speech Essay769 Words   |  4 PagesFree speech versus hate speech is a very widespread debate as there are convincing arguments on both sides that are very compelling. Although there are many points commonly used to back up the argument that are false and inaccurate. All Americans have a right to freedom of religion, speech, press, petition, and assembly as depicted in the first amendment, but the exceptions to freedom of speech have never directly been acknowledged by the U.S. Supreme Court. The common slippery-slope argument forRead MoreProtecting Free Speech And Restricting Hate Speech1542 Words   |  7 PagesProtecting free speech and restricting hate speech has been the most common problems of any democratic system. Free speech is embraced as a fundamental right in a modern world, but it is often taken for granted. Unfortunately, countries such as North Korea, Cuba, Libya, and other various nations lack the free speech most people bear. The right to free speech and expression is perceived and guarded by the first amendment of the Constitution and it is viewed as a necessity for civilized and suitableRead MoreDebate Controversy Regarding Free Speech And Hate Speech1940 Words   |  8 Pages Recent events have found UC Berkeley embroiled in controversy regarding Free Speech; debate has flared over what Free Speech really means, where we draw the line between Free Speech and hate speech, and what the implications of this are regarding the speakers who have been invit ed to give speeches on campus. Protests on Sproul Plaza have been planned by students who feel that these speakers are espousing hate speech which especially targets marginalized communities on campus and in our country.Read MoreThe Effects Of Free Speech On Hate Groups, And The Protection Of Hate979 Words   |  4 PagesThe relationship of free speech to that of hate groups, and the protection of hate speech under the first Amendment is a much debated topic of ethics and civil liberties. Although affirmative action protects against discrimination of race, religion, gender, and disabilities, it only protects from discrimination in educational institutions and employment. So how can a society that claims to protect civil rights allow the production of speech that opposes those same fundamental rights?, because thisRead MoreShould Hate Groups Be Allowed Free Speech?725 Words   |  3 PagesFrom the century-old Ku Klux Klan to the widely publicized Westboro Baptist Church, hate group s have always been prevalent in America. They have been around since humans have had the ability to share and act upon common hatred towards others. Why do they still exist today even after all the progress our society has made fighting against racism and intolerance? The answer lies in the First Amendment right to free speech. Our democratic society allows all citizens the freedom to express any and all opinionsRead MoreFreedom Of Speech And Free Speech1737 Words   |  7 Pages Freedom of Speech can only go so far before it starts to impede the right of the others, and free speech does not come before other people’s given rights.. According to Steven J. Heyman in the article â€Å"Free Speech Has Limits,† freedom of speech comes tied together with respecting the freedom of other and the rights of other people (par. 4). The author goes on to say that cutting off other peoples rights in the name of free speech can be seen as wrongful and can be faced with consequences (parRead MoreAnalysis of Caroline West’s Article, Words That Silence? Freedom of Express and Racist Hate Speech791 Words   |  3 PagesFreedom of Express and Racist Hate Speech.† Here West probes what is meant by free speech and in so doing, identifies three dimensions of speech from which the value of free speech derives. These are production and distribution, comprehension, and consideration. Her major premise is that absent requirements of comprehension or con sideration, free speech lacks the value it is generally accorded. West argues that allowing the production and distribution of racist hate speech has a silencing effect onRead MoreEssay on On the Issue of Hate Speech1193 Words   |  5 PagesAlmost all Americans today have heard of the First Amendment and its protection of free speech. This protection allows a free exchange of ideas among the members of society. Without it, Americans would not be able to voice their criticisms against anything without having a fear of being arrested. However, in the past, the government has limited this fundamental right several times. During World War I, Charles Schenck passed out fliers criticizing the national draft. He was arrested, and the Supreme