Limiting Hate Speech In America Is A Valid Debate

[JoeyT]

4. Yes, it's a legitimate debate,

but always beware unintended consequences.

I don't argue from the position that speech is a sacred right that trumps all else. I argue from practicality. These people that are arguing in favor of criminalizing hate speech ain't gonna be the ones writing the hate speech laws, and that is why I oppose it.

When the people like the Kochs are the ones that write the hate speech laws and you're not allowed to criticize corporations or speak ill of "job creators", I might tell you I told you so, if I'm still allowed to say it. Take a look at the difference between the reaction of the government to OWS and the Teabaggers, if you want to get an idea what speech is going to be criminalized.

The fight for women's suffrage, the civil rights movement, the union movement, and the gay rights movement were considered the height of offensive speech at one time. Especially by those in power. We cannot limit our tools to enact social justice, and potentially handing over our very ability to speak out for social justice is destroying a very large set of tools indeed.

So yeah, I'll defend everyone's right to free speech, no matter how vile, because I know that our desire to fight for social equality is considered far more terrible, especially by the assholes with the money and the power, who will be the ones doing the deciding on what is or isn't hate speech.

We're not fighting for the Klan's right to march, we're fighting for our right to criticize that march.