Free Speech: Where Do We Draw the Line?
As of late, the topic of free speech has been a popular one across the U.S. With disagreements over what we should consider sharing opinions versus hate and manipulative speech, the heavy polarization between Americans is more apparent than ever.
The use of violence and threats against those who do speak out in opposition of one side or another has also become a dangerously common side effect of this major divide. No one should have to fear potential physical harm consequences from speaking their mind. In a country known for giving its people the fundamental right to share their opinion, freedom of speech without fearing violence should be the norm.
Free Speech, Hate Speech, & Manipulative Speech
Everyone in the U.S. maintains both the right to their own opinion and the right to share that opinion with whomever they please. The line between what is voicing one's opinion versus someone contributing hate speech can become blurry at times. While hate speech falls under the category of free speech and cannot be regulated by the government due to the right being protected under the constitution, it serves a special purpose.
Hate speech is not only meant to offend and provoke, but to also divide and manipulate. It is any speech that is abusive, threatening, or prejudice on the basis of ethnicity, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, etc. It can be expressed both subtly and loudly. Worst of all, hate speech has the power to greatly influence society, grow confidence in others to express hate, and is often a precursor to hate crimes and acts of violence.
When hate speech is voiced in a linguistically subtle way, rather than outspokenly, it is received by listeners as less intense and not as harmful. After it is received as less severe, it becomes easier for those voices to manipulate listeners closer to their side where they can then increase their harmful rhetoric bit by bit without raising any major red flags until they have fully convinced listeners onto their side.
Similarly, when those in positions of power voice political rhetoric that expresses opposition towards a certain group of people, the confidence supporters have to express equally oppositional feelings towards that group will grow. In turn this creates a more threatening and dangerous political climate.
Unfortunately, the most common human reaction to intense feelings of hatred is retaliation, which can frequently be carried out through violence. When hateful speech brings strong negative emotions to the surface it is easier for these emotions, through like-minded encouragement, to embolden acts of violence against those on the receiving end of the hate speech, also known as hate crimes.
How to Handle Hate Speech
Navigating how to handle being on the receiving end or seeing someone else receive hate speech can be hard. Since the amount of legal action you can take against it is limited, the most important thing to remember is to speak up. Whether it be for yourself or someone else, reporting incidents of hate speech and harassment should be the first step you take in combating the issue. Making an official harassment report regarding hate speech can potentially aid legal action against any acts of violence or hate crimes that might come afterwards.
Another way to take action against hate speech is to reach out to local and state leaders. If incidents of hate are common in your area, push leaders to consistently speak out against it, act against it, and provide resources for those who are experiencing it.
Lastly, stay engaged within your community. Find and network with safe groups, like-minded organizations, and their members. Join those who speak up for equality and diversity. One of the best ways to fight hate is to advocate for inclusivity and practice kindness. You can also use these contacts to reach out for support after experiencing hate speech.
Freedom of speech is a right that defines Americans, it is an integral part of what being an American means. No one should have to fear physical harm and violent retaliation for speaking their mind. At a time where we as Americans are so divided in our views, it is crucial we realize that violence will not solve our problems, it will only create more divide and inspire more violence.
