Like it or not: "Hate Speech" is Free Speech
There has been a movement going on for decades now to control the speech of people whose views we find offensive or abhorrent. Through the years, our society has conditioned itself to be on alert for any statements, broadcasts, or images that may even remotely offend the tender sensibilities of minorities, women, the handicapped, the poor, the religious, or any other group capable of being labeled as a victim. The "progressive" movement in particular has rallied to the cause of banning what they have termed "hate speech" - that is, any speech or opinion they disagree with.
But each time we call out for the silencing of those whose opinions we find ugly or hateful, we take another step forward towards the subjugation of our free society. For the line between what is acceptable and what is unacceptable will gradually become more and more hazy. Already we have seen the definition of "hate" itself become more vague. Can we be too far off, then, from a time when all speech and expression will be routinely regulated?
Laugh at the notion if you wish. But in other parts of the world, the slide into restricted speech has already begun. Glenn Greenwald talks about this sad development at his blog on Salon.com. Check out his story, and also take the time to watch the video of a conservative publisher being questioned by a government official about his political views. Keep in mind, too, that the country the video was recorded in is none other than our progressive neighbor to the north, Canada.
Quite Orwellian. And disturbing.
You can also see the video below.
Conservative publisher being questioned by an Alberta government official.
Labels: free speech, hate speech
posted by Bill Dusty @ 1/15/2008
2 comments
2 Comments:
IMHO -
In the USA we certainly have the right to freedom of all kinds of speech. But to caution, all kinds of speech are not neccessarily protected, especially whenever that speech is criminal, for instance, the call to commit violence or murder against another human being.
That said, I think that the American public has had enough of ignorant forms of communication, and I believe that hate speech falls within this category.
This is not to say that a subject should not be mentioned or debated, but in an intelligent, respectful manner, at least as much as possible.
On the other hand, much of America has become too politically correct. They are afraid to say anything for fear of reprisal and/or reprimand.
But I can tell you, that when American citizens become afraid to speak (especially on the issues that are important to our country, and humanity) and are content to hide and whisper, or revert to silence, then the public are, in effect, relenting their own rights. And overtime we may very well lose our right to free speech.
I'm not ready to give up that right, nor will I cave in to p.c.
Censorship of opinions that a liberal dislikes (in the name of diversity) is what we are dealing with. As long as your diversity is acceptable to the liberal censors, it is not hate speech. In a free society, who decides what is free speech or hate speech, a liberal, a conservative, a religious zealot, a drug addict, a straight man, a gay woman????? WHO decides???? In our society only liberals decide what is not acceptable, because they are not really as diverse as they tell you in their PC lies.
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