Freedom Of Speech Vs Hate Speech Essay

How America Should React to Hate Speech The topic of hate speech and the First Amendment is considered extremely sensitive to many citizens. The First Amendment protects their right of freedom of speech, the right to provide their views on a wide matter of subjects. The controversial issue at hand is whether or not hate speech should be protected in the First Amendment or not. On the one hand, every citizen should have the right to freedom of speech, regardless of the topic. On the other hand, hate speech is seen as a dangerous form of speech that can cause serious issues in the long run. The question arises: how should America react to hate speech? American citizens should not view responding to hate speech as a political duty. The first step in understanding this position is understanding the terminology being worked with. Hate speech has varying definitions depending on who defines it. “Hate speech can be defined as speech directed at a historically oppressed religious or racial minority with the intent to insult and demean” (Law, “Know Your Constitution (5): Free Speech and Hate Speech”). There are definitions that can be considered vague. “Hate speech is a communication that carries no meaning other than the expression of hatred for some group, especially in circumstances in which the
It should be “nipped in the butt” while it is still small. This is referred to as the “Weimar” argument by Eric Heinze in his article “Nineteen arguments for hate speech bans – and against them.” Terrorism can form from hate speech. Therefore, all Americans should respond to hate speech.” The assumption here is that all hate speech will lead to terrorism. If this is the case, it should be stopped as soon as possible. This is what is best for America because it will prevent terrorism and other large scale dangerous attacks of similar