02.11.09
Hate Speech
Legislation is once more being brought up in Congress regarding hate speech. But I would quarrel with Congress on their definition firstly and on the fact that members of Congress are some of the biggest offenders in this matter. All politicians fall into danger on this score because they often revile those who do not agree with them. But what about the hate speech we see in everyday life?
Is it still hate speech when it is directed against ideals, beliefs, opinions, faith? I would suggest that it is. There is a dangerous double standard at work today. While it is not considered correct to criticize some religious beliefs, it is perfectly OK to criticize Christians for their beliefs. While it is not considered politically correct to criticize groups such as the National Association for Women, it is perfectly OK to criticize women who don’t fall into line with the agenda of such groups.
The French philosopher Voltaire, is said to have written: “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.” He is also quoted from his Essay on Tolerance as writing, “Think for yourselves and let others enjoy the privilege to do so too.” I like that second one better and it certainly suits what I am trying to express.
What we see today is a vast intolerance for any view but our own. We are no longer willing to discuss. We don’t care what informs another’s opinion. We simply want to shout them down. We label them as ignorant, intolerant, hateful. We post nasty comments about them. Not willing to have a dialog about the issue, we post our comments in a way or place where the other is sure to see.
I suggest that we might want to redefine what we call hate speech.