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Post by Professor Garfinkel on Sept 24, 2015 1:11:34 GMT
Please respond to the following question in approximately 100 words (half a typewritten page):
In what ways does the First Amendment's statement on freedom of speech
appear to leave the door open for debate on the legality of hate speech?
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Post by emileepet29 on Oct 7, 2015 3:43:44 GMT
Everyone holds the right to speak freely and have opinions, but over the years there has been debates regarding when and where it is appropriate to speak out freely. The major issues surrounding this topic can deal with race , religion , sex, gender and even the topic of obtaining the right to have an abortion. When it intervenes with the legal system , affecting the life of innocent indviduals there can be harsh consequences for those who are practicing their right to voice there freedom of speech. For example, in Kentucky a county clerk would not sign a same sex marriage license because it goes against her religious beliefs and values , but because gay marriage is legal in all states this is a criminal offense which tarnishes the idea that all freedom of speech should be allowed. Due to her vocal efforts to sustain her religious values , this Kentucky clerk is now in Jail. This case shows that one has freedom of speech until ideas and opinions interfere with the legal system and the safety of others.
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Post by jordan450 on Oct 7, 2015 22:01:22 GMT
All American Citizens have the write of freedom of speech. This allows us to basically have our own ideas and perspectives on certain ideas, and speak about them freely within reason. There is much debate on what is and is not appropriate to be able to say. I believe this amendment keeps things open for debate because it is not specific to what is appropriate to say, therefore many can debate why what they said is appropriate. For example, it is not appropriate to yell "fire," in a crowded movie theater in order to get a good seat.
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Post by hadarozery on Oct 7, 2015 23:45:30 GMT
The freedom of speech amendment holds a very vague meaning. In America, we are allowed to speak our minds but, in no way possible are we allowed to sound threatening against other people. Basically what this amendment really means is, say what you feel without seeming dangerous or showing a deep hatred towards some, to a point of wanting to hurt them. Same goes for the country, you can not sound like you want to blow up a city, shoot people or threaten the country.....but you have the freedom of speech? If caught sounding very hateful against someone or the country you can argue that "well freedom of speech said I could say this" because that is freedom of speech but it is also crossing the line when referring to this amendment.
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Post by jzetlin90 on Oct 12, 2015 4:34:28 GMT
The first amendment grants the freedom of speech to all people in the U.S. However, with our fortunate amount of freedom here, there have been many conflicts of how far that freedom goes. I believe many Americans take freedom of speech for granted. We should always have the freedom to express ourselves, and not hold anything in due to fear of being punished. However, there have been many instances where there is so much hate speech. This hate speech can go as far as anti Semitism or speaking out against African Americans to a pop star interrupting an award ceremony when they do not agree with the artist that has won. Hate speech is a larg ordeal that I believe needs to have control over it. Freedom of speech is a great freedom, but how far are we over stepping the boundaries?
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Post by kislev21 on Oct 12, 2015 4:43:36 GMT
The First Amendment of the United States Constitution, protects the right to freedom of speech. Since the creation of the Constitution, there has been debate of where the line should be drawn. For instance, although the First Amendment protects freedom of speech, it is illegal to yell, "fire" in a movie theater. Such an irresponsible action could potentially be the cause of multiple deaths. The first amendment can, however, be limited in the privacy of a home, at school, in the workplace, on social media, and depending if it is considered as an obscenity. It is only by a technicality that hate speech is seemingly allowed. From this, many anti-discrimination laws have been created in attempt to protect citizens where the law fails to do so. In such an innovative country like the US, one would expect more tolerance from its citizens.
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Post by Ted on Oct 12, 2015 4:48:47 GMT
Freedom of speech has always been an interesting subject for me. It is important in many more ways than one and quite complex. Due to the complexity of it's nature, the ever lasting importance of it's existence it has had an adverse effect on us. The nature of the first amendment has caused us to take a route far more interesting and unique than ever thought of before. By it's very nature, it has driven us to appreciate those who hate us.
Speaking for myself, I have been driven to appreciate the rights of anti semites due to this amendment. With the freedom that has been granted to such fowl individuals, we are able to live free of scrutiny from any government officials when we choose to support Israel. The rights in the constitution all come with a level of personal sacrifice and if that means that I have to put up with public anti semitism at times in order to proudly display my pride as a Jew and IDF Veteran, by all means.
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Post by lihishaty on Oct 12, 2015 6:03:03 GMT
The First Amendment loosely states that we have "the right to speak freely". When you take a look at our culture today, it's not difficult to see that our 'freedom' of speech has taken a turn for the worst in more than one way. Hate speech is becoming a bigger deal than ever. You can see it in pop culture, in schools, and sometimes even in a home environment. Students are being bullied just because people think they have the right to speak their mind freely. Pop stars of all genres, as Julie stated, are being basically bulldozed off the stage during an acceptance speech for reasons that are unnecessary. Children are being yelled at and punished by their parents for things they think are okay because this is how they've been taught to believe. Hate speech is everywhere and for some reason no one seems to want to put an end to it; and really, this is a sad society we live in.
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Post by Ben B on Oct 12, 2015 6:31:44 GMT
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."
As sour as this tastes to write, I believe that according to the first amendment there is nothing illegal about hate speech nor do I think it should be. Now this doesn't mean that I believe that this freedom should be used, or even socially acceptable. I simply believe that it is not the government's place to control it. If the government starts to censor "hate" speech, then whose decision will it be to choose what constitutes "hate." What is to keep it from escalating to full scale censorship like in China.
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Post by Jenna Papa on Oct 12, 2015 6:43:03 GMT
The First Amendment is freedom of speech. You are allowed to say what you want, whatever it is that you want to say. Though, there are some things that shouldn't be said, like hate for example. If someone were to hate on somebody for whatever dumb reason they have and just bully them over and over, then eventually that person will feel like there's nobody there for them until they finally do something terrible. Hate is awful and though everyone does have a right to say what they want and how they feel, unless it's thought out, it shouldn't be said. Especially if it were to hurt somebody else. Unless it's to say something towards gun control or murders or something that would help the country or the world, words should just be kept to themselves.
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