![]() ![]() One setting ripe for conflict: US college campuses. Freedom of Speech Pros and Cons: What Both Sides Sayįree speech debates continue to flare locally and nationally. Free speech protections can more widely disseminate false information, causing confusion and conflict - especially during a crisis. ![]() In the US, slander, libel, and defamation are unlawful, but the First Amendment does not always account for false statements. Lastly, freedom of speech makes it easier for false information to spread. This type of control makes it difficult for dissenting viewpoints to spread, fragment society, and spur organized social movements. China’s central government, for example, wields strong control over information shared through traditional and online news media and social media forums. Opponents also argue that free speech protections can stifle unity among the people. “Speech that demeans on the basis of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, disability, or any other similar ground is hateful but the proudest boast of our free speech jurisprudence is that we protect the freedom to express ‘the thought that we hate,’” Justice Samuel Alito wrote in the opinion. ![]() For example, in 2017, the US Supreme Court unanimously reaffirmed that the US government may not restrict hate speech. Freedom of Speech Consįreedom of speech presents societal disadvantages as well.įirst, freedom of speech can protect speech that others, including the majority, find offensive. In the US, speech that incites imminent and likely law violations presents a “clear and present danger,” and distributing obscene materials is prohibited. Private citizens, activists, and journalists use their voice to expose harmful activity by government officials, religious leaders, and corporate executives.Īnother defined freedom of speech benefit is that not all speech is protected speech. Abolitionism, women’s suffrage, civil and LGBTQ rights, and other historical US social movements benefit from the ability to spread new ideas and gather in mass to demand change.įreedom of speech and the press also help protect everyday citizens from the country’s elite. In contrast, authoritarian governments - including absolute monarchies and communist states - can limit, ban, and punish dissent.Īdditionally, freedom of speech helps elicit social change. Citizens are free to publicly share dissenting viewpoints and “peaceably” gather in protest. The First Amendment prohibits the US government from censoring opposition. Now, let’s dissect freedom of speech pros and cons, beginning with pros.įirst, freedom of speech allows citizens to openly dissent against the government without fear of persecution. Still, sociopolitical conflict and social and digital technology advancements fuel clashes over parameters and benefits of free speech worldwide. The United Nations also protects freedom of speech through its Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted in 1948. The amendment simply states: “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” The Supreme Court determines which types of speech are constitutionally protected in varied settings. In the US, the First Amendment to the constitution - ratified within the Bill of Rights in 1791 - protects freedom of speech. “The ancient Greek word ‘parrhesia’ means ‘free speech,’ or ‘to speak candidly.’” Athenians freely discussed politics, religion, and government criticism in “some settings.” Before analyzing contentious opinions, let’s review the history of this fundamental ideal.Īccording to, the ancient Greeks established freedom of speech as a democratic principle during the late 5th century. Freedom of Speech Overviewįreedom of speech pros and cons evoke heated debate, despite its status as a cherished American value. To have stories like this and more delivered directly to your inbox, be sure to sign up for our newsletter. Freedom of speech pros and cons are ripe for debate, despite this democratic principle’s cherished role in American politics.
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