The Definition of “Hate Speech”
The freedom of speech in America is something that is rooted in the core of our nation. However, this freedom can consequently lead to speech that is undesirable. Hate speech is the generic term that has come to embrace the use of speech attacks based on race, ethnicity, religion, and sexual orientation or preference. Hate speech can come in many different forms and may be difficult to identify. As hate speech is not a legally defined term, it becomes difficult to define what does and does not constitute this type of speech. This definition will focus on the origins of hate speech, the common targets of hate crimes and examples, and an overview of the ongoing debate over hate speech.
Origins Hate speech, at this point in time, is not a criminal offense as a result of the First Amendment to the Constitution. This amendment guarantees that “Congress shall make no law… abridging the …show more content…
These segments may include racial, religious, or sexual minorities. Society as a whole attempts to respect equality, tolerance, and respect for human dignity, and this type of speech directly contradicts that mantra. A common example of hate speech comes from a Supreme Court case, originating from St. Paul, Minnesota. In this case, a teenager burned a cross on the lawn of an African-American family. The crime was racially motivated and targeted a racial minority (R.A.V., Petitioner, V. City Of St. Paul). An example of hate speech took place on the University of Minnesota campus. On November 3rd, 2016, a man defaced a mural for the Muslim Students Association by spray-painting it with the word “ISIS” (KMSP). The University condemned this incident and President Kaler sent an email to students providing resources to any students who have been made to feel fearful and encouraged students to speak out against hate.
The Debate over Hate
The freedom of speech in America is something that is rooted in the core of our nation. However, this freedom can consequently lead to speech that is undesirable. Hate speech is the generic term that has come to embrace the use of speech attacks based on race, ethnicity, religion, and sexual orientation or preference. Hate speech can come in many different forms and may be difficult to identify. As hate speech is not a legally defined term, it becomes difficult to define what does and does not constitute this type of speech. This definition will focus on the origins of hate speech, the common targets of hate crimes and examples, and an overview of the ongoing debate over hate speech.
Origins Hate speech, at this point in time, is not a criminal offense as a result of the First Amendment to the Constitution. This amendment guarantees that “Congress shall make no law… abridging the …show more content…
These segments may include racial, religious, or sexual minorities. Society as a whole attempts to respect equality, tolerance, and respect for human dignity, and this type of speech directly contradicts that mantra. A common example of hate speech comes from a Supreme Court case, originating from St. Paul, Minnesota. In this case, a teenager burned a cross on the lawn of an African-American family. The crime was racially motivated and targeted a racial minority (R.A.V., Petitioner, V. City Of St. Paul). An example of hate speech took place on the University of Minnesota campus. On November 3rd, 2016, a man defaced a mural for the Muslim Students Association by spray-painting it with the word “ISIS” (KMSP). The University condemned this incident and President Kaler sent an email to students providing resources to any students who have been made to feel fearful and encouraged students to speak out against hate.
The Debate over Hate