by Yusef Raahman Sudah

Created on: January 14, 2009   Last Updated: December 30, 2010

The "right to speak freely " is the hallmark of freedom in America; the content of a speech is much less important. Therefore, it is from this idea that "freedom of speech" is born. What is coined as "hate speech" can simply be a difference in opinion between citizens.  Yes, of course what is labeled as "hate speech" should be tolerated! The idea that an opinion can be labeled as "hate speech" is itself a reflection of human toleration. Hatred by definition is "extreme disagreement or bias about something". A person or nation can no more successfully ban words that express views of "hatred" than one can ban people from having opinions.

I would suggest that when a person chooses a word that some find undesirable does not mean that there exists hatred. Yet, when extreme words are used or an indifferent point of view expressed such is simply an indication of that person's knowledge or understanding of another's way of living or point of view has lead to that "indifference". Additionally, keep in mind, what a person says is an indication of the "quality of thinking". However, as a general rule during of our daily conversations we may have many occasions to disagree with someone. Yet, it is rare that such conversations result in hatred, battles or dissatisfaction. But even if our conversations do result in opposite views, to disallow the person to express their opinions is not unthinkable but dangerous!

While conversing with someone we may find such a conversation disturbing. Yet by using good manners, personal control and courtesy we are not normally driven to tell the person that we "hate them" or to "shut up"! And likely you would not want to be the one that is told to shut up"!  We honor and value the ability to speak "freely" especially because others may disagree. Consider that when a person is prevented from expressing an opinion, hatred or not, they are being told to "shut up". Mandating speech as "hate speech" is to tell those with whom we disagree to "shut up"! To offer such as a policy, law, as a national, state or local mandate would discourage the process of debate as well as opportunity to learn.

If we say, to our children, "shut up"... there may be acceptable reasons for wanting them to do so. However, if we say "shut up" to our mates or other adults such may cause farther undesirable conversations both in the present and the future or cause extended conversations as well as even an argument.

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