Re: free speech to counter hate speech.

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Free Speech to counter Hate Speech

In Sheila Musaji's article of Free speech to counter hate speech- Dove World Outreach Center incident has raised the problem on whether free speech can become hate speech and whether there is any limit for free speech? This argument is raised becuase of the Dove World OUtreahc Center, a church in Gainesvile posted a sign on their lawn that read "Islam is of the devil". Furthermore, the center decided to have tee-shirts made repeating the "Islam is of the devil" message and have students in the elementary, middle, and high schools wear them to school. Parents of the children have said that they believe this is an issue of free speech, and the Center's pastor suggested that America is a Christian nation.

Althought, the first Amendent prohibits the government from limiting speech, but there are exceptions for things like defamation to inciting to riot, and for harassment. However, public schools are for all children, and no child should be expected to deal with speech that degrades, insults or frightens them. Moreover, the aformentioned statement may influence the children's opinions in a highly biased and misinformed manner, inculcating ideas that are considered derogatory and harmful to ceratain members of society. Issues like this one raise a lot of questions. Is there any point at which free speech becomes hate speech and might be curtailed? Are there any limits to free speech? Are some locations different than others for freeodm of Speech (e.g. the workplace or schools). People can believe anyhting they want-but is there any limit on the public expression of their beliefs. Does it make any difference what group is being disparaged? Just because you have the right to say anything you want, does that mean it is always the right thing to do?

There are no clear guidelines at this point in time, but it is certain that the least we can do is counter such hateful speech with more speech. If those with negative and hateful messages have the right to speak their 'mind', then the rest of us also have the right to let them know what we think of their speech . Tweet