Poll: Right to Isms

[RexoftheFord]

I was wondering if people think that racist or sexist statements is covered under the topic of "Free Speech" in the Constitution of the United States of America. Do people have a right to speak in a racist or sexist manner? Provide reasons with your answers. Also, take note that this is not a "Should" question but a question of "Do" they. Again, provide reasons and evidence.

 

[Kilaknux]

Unforunately, they do have the right to espouse their own views on things. Forunately, we are allowed to not listen and ignore the stupid, reactionary ravings of mad people.

 

[Dys]

From what I understand the constitution is pretty clear, you are free to say whatever you want (provided it isn't a form of harassment). You are most certainly allowed to beleive whatever you want.

 

[Superior Mind]

Unfortunately they are, that why Neo-Nazi rallies get the go-ahead and even get police escorts to ensure nothing happens to them.

 

[twistedshadows]

Free speech means free speech, so they can say pretty much whatever they want.
In turn, I have the right to call them rude names and ignore what they say.

 

[Raven's Nest]

In the UK you can say what you want, but If you start spewing a load of racist or sexist garbage you will get told to fuck off basically.

The exception to the free speech rule is hate-mongering. You are most certainly not allowed to incite hatred against anyone or anything which may ecourage action to happen. You can be arrested for doing this in a public place.

 

[IAmWright777]

Yes, people have the right. Do I agree with their opinions or comments? No, I don't. Neo Nazis and the KKK are still allowed to have public rallies (with a police escort obviously). I think the only way somebody can get arrested (in my state at least) is if they physically assault somebody, not just verbally.

 

[RexoftheFord]

In the UK you can say what you want, but If you start spewing a load of racist or sexist garbage you will get told to fuck off basically.

The exception to the free speech rule is hate-mongering. You are most certainly not allowed to incite hatred against anyone or anything which may ecourage action to happen. You can be arrested for doing this in a public place.

How do you incite hatred against people though if people have Free Will? This is my major issue with people saying "they told me to" because there's always choice. But I'm not familiar with UK Laws and Regulations. Would you mind informing me as to the differences?

 

[brainfreeze215]

I think you have to be a pretty strong person if you're racist and/or sexist and you can still manage to stop yourself from hurting others.

I feel that some people probably can't help being racist or sexist, but if they can control themselves then I think that's just as good.

 

[teisjm]

They have the right to say whatever the fuck they want, and if what they say is against the law, they will be punished for it.

If someone says that "[insert gender/race/relegion/sexual orientation/console preferance here] is retarded and needs to be purged with fire" fine, depending on where they say it thay may or may not be legally punished, but they will be considered retarded fucks whom not even fire can purge by most people hearing them

 

[Spitfire175]

Let them bark, but hold them responsible for consequenses for their words.

 

[Raven's Nest]

In the UK you can say what you want, but If you start spewing a load of racist or sexist garbage you will get told to fuck off basically.

The exception to the free speech rule is hate-mongering. You are most certainly not allowed to incite hatred against anyone or anything which may ecourage action to happen. You can be arrested for doing this in a public place.

How do you incite hatred in people though if they are a person of Free Will? This is my major issue with people saying "they told me to" because there's always choice. But I'm not familiar with UK Laws and Regulations. Would you mind informing me as to the differences?

It's mostly to prevent terrorist groups from rallying in the streets etc..

For example,

A muslim hate preacher starts walking up and down the street shouting about how much he thinks God wants the muslims to blow up white people or gay people or dogs with white patches or whatever. Some nut job thinks this is a good idea and tells his mates. All of a sudden you have a big group of people getting angry and likely to riot and actually carry out what they are threatning...

The problem is caused when you start telling a group of alienated, angry, un-welcomed people that they should start blaming someone or an entire race... Brainwashing isn't as hard as it sounds.

There is a difference between freedom of speech and conspiricy to commit terrorism. The latter is a punishble crime in most western countries.

The same would apply to anti-black groups or anti-gay groups. We just don't tolerate it here.

 

[Lord Mountbatten Reborn]

Free speech good, hate-speech bad.

Don't go preaching yo' hate, because we'll just fling it back at you with force.

 

[Geekmaster]

To a certain degree, yes.

 

[RexoftheFord]

Free speech good, hate-speech bad.

Don't go preaching yo' hate, because we'll just fling it back at you with force.

And you have just demonstrated the epitome of hate speech. If you return the hate speech right back, you're as narrow-minded and bigoted as the rest of them. This is a trap that many people fall into.

 

[RexoftheFord]

In the UK you can say what you want, but If you start spewing a load of racist or sexist garbage you will get told to fuck off basically.

The exception to the free speech rule is hate-mongering. You are most certainly not allowed to incite hatred against anyone or anything which may ecourage action to happen. You can be arrested for doing this in a public place.

How do you incite hatred in people though if they are a person of Free Will? This is my major issue with people saying "they told me to" because there's always choice. But I'm not familiar with UK Laws and Regulations. Would you mind informing me as to the differences?

It's mostly to prevent terrorist groups from rallying in the streets etc..

For example,

A muslim hate preacher starts walking up and down the street shouting about how much he thinks God wants the muslims to blow up white people or gay people or dogs with white patches or whatever. Some nut job thinks this is a good idea and tells his mates. All of a sudden you have a big group of people getting angry and likely to riot and actually carry out what they are threatning...

The problem is caused when you start telling a group of alienated, angry, un-welcomed people that they should start blaming someone or an entire race... Brainwashing isn't as hard as it sounds.

There is a difference between freedom of speech and conspiricy to commit terrorism. The latter is a punishble crime in most western countries.

The same would apply to anti-black groups or anti-gay groups. We just don't tolerate it here.

Ahh, interesting. But then again, the UK laws of free speech aren't quite the same as the US right? Here, we'll tolerate the act of hate-speech and protest as long up until it produces a violent action. The violent action against someone is where an infringement of someone else's rights occurs, which is an illegal act. But thanks for explaining.

 

[Hamster at Dawn]

I think I think people have a right to say whatever they want. Besides, I find it funny when people are completely racist because they're completely clueless. The BNP manage to simultaneously horrify me and make me piss myself laughing.

 

[El Poncho]

If it is just words sure but if it stops them from getting a job because of it being attacked etc or it leads to something affecting that other persons rights then know and words could lead to these things so better safe than sorry.

 

[Lord Mountbatten Reborn]

Free speech good, hate-speech bad.

Don't go preaching yo' hate, because we'll just fling it back at you with force.

And you have just demonstrated the epitome of hate speech. If you return the hate speech right back, you're as narrow-minded and bigoted as the rest of them. This is a trap that many people fall into.

I didn't mean use hate-speech back at them (I should've been more specific); I meant as in stop them from preaching it. Free speech is good and all, but preaching and persuading people to kill others just isn't right.

 

[RexoftheFord]

you're allowed to be prejudiced. you're NOT allowed to discriminate (except of course the church because anything demanded by god must be allowed unquestionably whether or not it interferes with the freedoms of others.)

Technically, discrimination is allowed in certain areas of life. And also, religion as a reason for doing something is also halted at certain points.