Should we not restrict the freedom of speech to control hate speeches?
By Anish Asokan
@RevivedWarrior (3853)
India
September 6, 2024 9:26am CST
Freedom of speech or Freedom of expression is a fundamental human right that is provided in most countries allowing people to express their opinions, ideas or beliefs without the fear of repercussion. Freedom of speech promotes democracy and open dialogues.
Controlling the freedom of speech to curb hate speeches is a complex issue that many government agencies are pondering upon. It is essentially balancing between the rights and social responsibility. We definitely need freedom to express ourselves. We definitely need diverse and new ideas to come and flourish. Limiting this freedom could lead to suppression of individual rights.
There is an increase of hate speeches. With advent of social media, the impact of hate speeches is huge. There is definitely an increase in violence, division and real harm in different parts of world due to hate speeches. If the hate speeches continue without any restriction, it will marginalize the society and do more damage that cannot undone.
I have always felt the definition of hate speeches differs from culture to culture, people to people and hence a single definition is not possible.
So, should we not restrict the freedom of speech to control hate speeches or are there better alternatives?
3 people like this
3 responses
@porwest (112876)
• United States
6 Sep 24
We do not need to protect speech you WANT to hear. We need to protect speech you DO NOT want to hear. That's the whole point of free speech in that ALL speech is allowed. Many people consider things to be hate speech that are not hate speech at all, except that someone has personally determined to be hate speech. If you limit speech in ANY way, it is no longer possible to have free speech.
1 person likes this
@RevivedWarrior (3853)
• India
7 Sep 24
Definition of hate speech is controversial. There is nothing universal for same. Plus limiting freedom of speech could lead to lot of harm. Thanks for sharing!
@porwest (112876)
• United States
9 Sep 24
@RevivedWarrior Right. I mean, who gets to decide what is hate speech and what is not? If I mention anything good about Trump, for example, many people consider that to be hate speech. If I wear a Trump hat, that's considered a racist statement. So, better to leave free speech as it is. Open to saying anything we want even if it offends someone.
1 person likes this
@RevivedWarrior (3853)
• India
7 Sep 24
Limiting the freedom of speech could bring lot of division in the world Thanks for sharing!
@akalinus (44366)
• United States
6 Sep 24
Absolutely not. Who determines what speech is hate speech? Some say it is radical left thoughts and others say it is right-wing thoughts. Some think religion is hate speech.
I say that we need freedom of speech. It is being severely limited now. I knew that when political correctness started, it was to squelch speech that someone didn't like. Everyone needs to be heard if we are going to get along in this world.
1 person likes this
@RevivedWarrior (3853)
• India
7 Sep 24
You are right -everyone needs to be in world if we have to get along. Thanks for sharing!




