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Freedom of speech3/8/2023 ![]() I applaud America for guaranteeing its citizens the right to freedom of expression but there need to be limitations. But if other nations have been able to do it, why can’t America? And let’s think about it: if we had had laws against hate speech, groups like the Ku Klux Klan might never have reached its momentum, people like Donald Trump would never have made it within a hundred miles of politics, Fox News would most likely have so many cases against it that it would have to shut down. I understand that the controversy surrounding this is that in order for America to criminalize hate speech, it would have to legally classify and define what hate speech is, something that can be arguably difficult. None of them are necessarily fool-proof but at least they have some type of legislature against it. One of the stark contrasts between the right to freedom of expression in America versus other nations such as Canada, the UK, Australia, along with other nations is that they have laws against hate speech. Believe me, I understand how possessive and territorial Americans get when it comes to their right to freedom of expression, but we have take a step back and look at this from a critical standpoint and think about how detrimental hate speech is to society as a whole. ![]() In America people are often afraid to call racism and prejudicial hate speech, instead referring to it as a different opinion or freedom of expression. Freedom of speech does not mean that it is morally right to dehumanize, harass, or abuse someone, no matter who they are. ![]() The citizens of America need to realize that having the legal right to do or say something does not mean that it is the right thing to do. But while the citizens and legislators of America boast about their citizens’ right to freedom of speech and freedom of expression, they fail to acknowledge their lack of provisions regarding hate speech. Freedom of speech allows us to express our opinions, no matter how controversial they might be, which many argue is one of the fundamental necessities in a democracy. Nevertheless, freedom of speech should be able to cover all citizens notwithstanding the message that they express as long as it doesn’t threaten others.Free speech is a double edged sword because along with free speech comes hate speech, two concepts that can often be difficult to distinguish from one another. This will also be the basis to judge the pros and cons of this concept as stated here. It will require a cultural perspective in understanding freedom of speech. Seeing as a threat to the lives of whom the message was given, the government is set to prosecute and punish an individual who has violated the law. Another example is when an individual threatens elected officials in government. One case refers to the person who shouted ‘Fire’ in a public area. There are certain laws and legislation that have already considered some expressions to be illegal. Prior Existence of Freedom of Speech Restrictions Another instance is when extremists groups will utilize this without having to consider how incredibly hurtful, slanderous or mean-spirited they have become.Ģ. ![]() This can be damaging as it can cause a stampede that could put the lives of people at risk just because a person exercised his right. This can be observed when an individual shouts ‘Fire’ in a movie house full of people. There are some points that come to mind when it comes to freedom of speech which can be harmful or hurtful to others. ![]()
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