Does free speech mean I have the "right" to spread hate messages?

Question

Does "freedom of speech" in America mean I have the "right" to say whatever I want to even to the extent that what I say is nothing more than prejudiced hate messages, or is that a distortion of what a "right" is?

PLEASE keep in mind I am talking about the link between freedom of speech and the concept of RIGHTS in America. Don't tell me about lawful censoring or unlimited freedoms, I'm asking is it a RIGHT that our concept of freedom of speech includes spreading hate messages?

And if you're the pseudo-intellectual who likes to preface your answer by saying, "I think the question could have been better poised," please answer another question!

You people don't seem to understand that if there are negative consequences after I exercise my "right" of free speech, then it is not "free speech" nor is it a "right" at all. Figures. That's what I expect from Americans these days. They don't understand what a "right" is and they definately don't understand freedom in America.

Answer 1

The freedom of speech stomps all over the rights of others and is being used for every reason that those who established it never intended. Worse, it's only certain ones who declare the rights to this freedom of speech! We use the freedom of speech to promote hatred, spread slander, and even give up national security in the name of it.Pretty soon the Constitiution won't mean a thing!

Answer 2

As long as you do not commit libel or slander and do not advocate the harm of another, nor do you cause a riot or the direct harm of another, the government cannot bring action against you. For example, shouting "FIRE!!!" in a theatre can and probably will get you arrested. In short, you have a "right" to government non-interference in your speech unless your speech falls into these or related scenarios.

Notice that I said the government cannot take action when the above mentioned scenarios do not occur. However, your employer, school, other organizations, etc., are not restricted in this manner, aside from specific instances protected by law. This falls under the "free association" clause of the the Constitution of the United States.

Answer 3

Good question!
I guarantee someone asks this in school everyday after learning that amendment. The truth is yeah, you can say whats on ya mind but still we have an underlined moral as our country was based on religion at first. We have the right to express ourselves whether talking, righting, gathering, etc. However, you can not slander. Slander and libel are laws made to protect people from lies that damage there reputation as a person or company. If a person or company proves there are lies in an expression, then its wrong and could pose a punishment. Hate crimes include these messages you were referring to. In terms of censorship and limits to "the way a person speaks" is still under criticism. As you notice television has been leniant as it was in the 80's as the "me society" and individualism grew dramatically. Now tv has regular sitcoms cursing and even superbowl showing slight nudity with only small fines. The censorship is moreorless for children and blocking their access to the vulgar and explicit things that could raise them to be unsucessful or a threat to society. In simplest terms though there are laws that counter other laws. This is confusing, but a part of our system. Read the laws and they're very contradicting and able to be "amended" by another. Hope i answered your question. Good luck.

Answer 4

Free Speech. It doesn't mean that someone cannot write something good being said about Mohammad [who is unseen outside the frame], too, doesn't it? You need to see it from all perspectives if you want to see Opportunity. And, this is without any Prejudice. I will, of course, still support the others, too; because it's Freedom of Speech. .

Answer 5

Freedom of speech is a definite right in america but there r ramifications 4 voicing hateful and spiteful opinions. Yet America doesnt seem too qucik to arrest kalan members do they? thats sad because just like the right to free speech they have the right to assemble and threaten races. on another note, Think about yelling fire in a theatre that too is a direct threat. Nobody stopped you from saying it but its for damn sure you end up in cuffs afterward

Answer 6

Yes. Because most people in America do not have the intellectual, or ethics to be JUDGE of what constitutes a hate message, or justified moral outrage. Like one answerer said, only if you yell fire in a movie house. What other avenue do Americans have now, but public outrage, when our political leaders ignore us in favor of a dictatorship?

Answer 7

yes, because the hatefullnes of the message is speculative, what someone may feel is hateful others may feel is not hateful , If you say jews should be extermanited, that falls under free speach and you haver the right to share that message to whomever you wish , some may also believe it , some may think it is hateful filth. But free speech is just that and that is why we have it, who is the person that gets to say what is hateful and what is not ??

Answer 8

Rush Limbaugh comes to mind for some reason. That the man's just a big, fat hate monger and black hearted hypocrite doesn't seem to unduly bother anyone, and his voice reaches millions. Based on that man alone, I would have to say the hate messages are indeed your right, and in fact right within themselves. How else would you find out who was a liar and who wasn't. A man's own mouth always convicts him. If he were forced to keep it closed, there would be no way of knowing what he was.

Answer 9

I think the question should could have been better poised....LOL!

Of course you can say "anything" you want- but you will still face the consequences. Remember when the Dixie Chicks spoke out against Dubya? It was their "right" to say whatever they wanted to say, but you knew the shiite would hit the fan!

Answer 10

You only have the freedom of speech as long as you do not hurt anyone's feelings.