Summary Of Should Neo-Nazis Be Allowed Free Speech

Evaluation of an Argumentative Essay Writing an article which is intended to convince readers that one of the rights their country was founded on should be limited is a tricky task. It is difficult to maintain a convincing argument which makes sense to the average person while also considering that very few readers will agree with the claim prior to reading the essay. However, Thane Rosenbaum did a stellar job at presenting an exceptional, controversial piece of writing with his article “Should Neo-Nazis Be Allowed Free Speech?”. The article provides a strong thesis, valuable evidence, and quality examples presented in an organized fashion, which makes it a compelling and well-written argument. The most important aspect of this article is
First, he describes the laws of other countries which limit the freedom of speech. He says that Americans view these laws as “positively undemocratic”, but then explains why the foreign laws are beneficial to society (Rosenbaum 172). He describes how, in other countries, laws against flying the Nazi flag or encouraging racial discrimination have allowed citizens to live in peace and feel safe. These laws simply demand that everyone respects their fellow citizens. Then, Rosenbaum describes recent American studies on emotional pain. He describes how emotional pain is just as bad as, if not worse than, physical pain, and states that if Americans support laws which prevent a person from inflicting physical pain on another, they should also support laws which prevent a person from inflicting emotional pain on another. Further, Rosenbaum asserts that a person can have an opinion and not harm others because of it when he says that “one can object to gays in the military without ruining the one moment a father has to bury his son; neo-Nazis can long for the Third Reich without re-traumatizing Hitler’s victims; one can oppose Affirmative Action without burning a cross on an African-American’s lawn”. This statement is logical and appeals to the empathy people feel for those who have been the victim of discrimination. All of this evidence allows a rational person to understand why it may make sense to limit free
France, Israel, and Brazil are all countries with laws limiting free speech. France in particular is competitive with the United States in areas such as education, healthcare, and quality of life. It would make sense, then, that if France finds it necessary to limit certain harmful words and actions, perhaps America should consider doing the same. Citing these countries as opposed to a third world country or a country the United States dislikes helps readers to see the proposed limits on free speech in a positive light and realize that nations thrive despite restrictions on free speech. The sources are a vital aspect of any research or argumentative essay, because sources which are untrustworthy or unreliable will make the reader doubt the author’s