Should the governmment outlaw hate speech, such as Anti-Semitic disparagements?

Question

Many will cry, No, we cannot restrict free speech. But is hate speech worth protecting? Is speech which derides a person because of his or her sex, color, or religion worthy of 1st Amendment protection? Note than in most European countries, they restrict Nazi (flagrantly anti-Semitic) speech, and they don't complain about how they feel "oppressed" or subjected to utter despotism...

Your thoughts?

I'm guessing that those who say never restrict free speech would be OK with posters of obscene sexual depictions being put up near public elementary schools or that you'd be OK with someone publishing the way to make a nuclear bomb

Answer 1

Once upon a time, I would have been violently against restricting free speech. Once upon a time, people didn't fall back on that right as an excuse to abuse their fellow man. You can't outlaw ignorance-unfortunately (prisons are already overcrowded). We can only hope that, eventually, people will wake up and take responsibility for their actions.

Answer 2

As much as I'd love to say yes....it can not be outlawed because it doesn't go against the first amendment. What I'd suggest is have observers at protests and things of that sort as well as people with the opposite opinion (and have them share it). People who spew hate speech and very verbally-attack-oriented are more inclined to physically assault if debates of the sort arise. At that point, then the protesters could be detained without violating the 1st amendment, but still stopping the "hate speech".

Answer 3

Hmm although hate speech is ugly and offensive, i personally only see that as a problem if the group starts doing actual crimes against another group; like assault, harassment, or harming property or that stuff. Stifling their speech will only make them act out in a violent way, so letting them say their piece kind of keeps them in line.

Answer 4

No! People have a right to like or dislike anyone. I have been called a papist pig, honkey, whitey, pig etc. Hated because of what I represent. I have had friends murdered just because of their profession. Is this hate? I believe so. I do not condone hate, yet to some extent I understand it. We are born pure and innocent, we are taught hate by our parents, friends and associates. Hate is learned, it is not a part of our humanity. Best let people express themselves instead of bottling up their feelings and acting out their rage not only in speech but in physical violence.

Answer 5

Freedom oof speech
You cant know a persons feelings. Hate speech laws say you can.
You can not define hate speech. You may interpet something as hate may not.
Should GWB arrest congrss for calling Cheney Darth Vader?
What about calling him names, like Nazi lover.
Imagine that

Answer 6

Absolutely. Let's start with Bill O'Reilley and his hate of everything Liberal, Democratic, Mexican, Afro-American,and just about everything except his draft-dodging knee-jerk reactionary front show. Just think; a few more laws and the choice is between Ch. 5 or the radio, but only music, but only classic, but only classical that the reactionary's understand.

Answer 7

in my opinion the liberty of speech should not be absolute. i think the liberty of speech crosses into risky territory whilst it contains a risky message. incredibly whilst it is "hate speech" against a undeniable race, gender or non secular association. a appropriate occasion is Hitler. He spewed hatred against Jewish human beings and all others he seen non-Aryan or imperfect. the international stood through and did no longer something till it grew to become into too previous due. The Nazi regime murdered thousands and thousands of harmless human beings.

Answer 8

Then where does it end? Once you start down that slippery slope it may never end. No, I'd rather have to put up with idiots and their hate speech then to have mine restricted.

Answer 9

Never ever ban free speech in any format.

Nobody has the right not to be offended.

Answer 10

once freedoms are lost ,you dont get them back,dont give a inch because you will loose a mile..............