Freedom of Speech vs. Hate Speech... The orig. post, please read the less comically inclined commented on version (thanks Kristi!)

[mom0f3angels]

After seeing a post in the journals where a member severely degraded some Special Needs (disabled) children, I was fuming! It took all I had as I had written to this heartless wench to 'hold" my fingers back and keep the integrity of the post as it should be.

Then, a friend of mine and I were talking on here about the whole ordeal. Yes, she had seen what this person had written and was highly upset as well. Especially being that the both of us have Special Needs children ourselves, we don't take degrading the Disabled Community lightly.

Both my friend and I had fully agreed that there is a difference, as well as a fine line between Freedom of Speech and what would be considered as Hate Speech.

Down below, here are the CLEAR definitions of both types...

Freedom of speech is the freedom to speak freely without censorship or limitation. The synonymous term freedom of expression is sometimes used to denote not only freedom of verbal speech but any act of seeking, receiving and imparting information or ideas, regardless of the medium used. Freedom of speech and freedom of expression is closely related to, yet distinct from, the concept of freedom of thought or freedom of conscience. In practice, the right to freedom of speech is not absolute in any country and the right is commonly subject to limitations, such as on "hate speech".

 

 

Hate speech is a term for speech intended to degrade, intimidate, or incite violence or prejudicial action against a person or group of people based on their race, gender, age, ethnicity, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, language ability, ideology, social class, occupation, appearance (height, weight, hair color, etc.), mental capacity, and any other distinction that might be considered by some as a liability.

 

 

What it all boils down to is this.. You have the right to have your views and beliefs about things and people within the world. You can say things like "I hate (insert name/organization)" and give your reasons why. But, you cannot call people derogitory names, degrade the individual or the group as a whole, or to plan or act out violently against them due to their disabilities, sexual orientation, ect.

 

Everyone, even the disabled have feelings. And they can be hurt deeply, emotionally from words, not just actions that are against them.

 

My son is disabled. You can't see it on the outside. He has several mental disorders that are disabling him from leading what is classified as a "normal" life. You won't know what is wrong with him until he has an episode. In fact, take a gander at my last post to see what I mean.

 

Also, as a child, I was deemed by the state of California for YEARS as "Disabled" becuase I required to have medical equipment with me where ever my parents and I went. Yes, I even had a Handicap Parking sticker. One lady called the cops on my parents at a store because she didn't see where I was "really" disabled.

 

So, say anything that you wish against religion (or the lack of an individual's belief in religion), the disabled, your views on other's sexual orientation, race, or whatever. Just be careful of how far you let yourself go.

 

No one, in my eyes, should EVER degrade a disabled individual, their parents, or a specific disabled group as a whole. Hate begets hate. Then, it turns in to intolerance. And intolerance can turn in to violence. Violence can ultimately lead to death.

 

Think about it.

[emf6874]

Nov. 8, 2008 at 1:53 PM

BUMP

...& voted popular!!!

[AngiDas]

Nov. 8, 2008 at 1:57 PM

Amen!

[MemawBrie]

Nov. 8, 2008 at 2:02 PM

 I completely agree. Anyone who lowers themselves to degrading or speaking negatively about people with disabilities, ESPECIALLY children are lower than the fungus that feeds on pond scum in my book!  There's absolutely NO excuse for it. Only mental midgets would do something so despicable! I wouldn't even afford them to hide behind the auspice of "freedom of speech" on that!  You speak out against those with disabilities...expect to get shredded, with NO mercy, and deservedly so!

[KristiS11384]

Nov. 8, 2008 at 2:02 PM

I think the main distinction comes between stating your dislike (which falls under freedom of speech) and calling for violent acts against a person (hate speech).

I can say I hate Elmo, he's so annoying all I want and it's fine, but once I say "I hate elmo I hope he dies, he needs to die, he's evil iI want to kill him" etc  It's hate speech.

 

[sherriet]

Nov. 8, 2008 at 2:02 PM

Excellent post!

[halfadozenofem]

Nov. 8, 2008 at 2:03 PM

ABSOLUTELY PERFECTLY SAID........

Big big difference between having a differing view and hateful demeaning words. Voting up....

[mom0f3angels]

Nov. 8, 2008 at 2:04 PM

I can say I hate Elmo, he's so annoying all I want and it's fine, but once I say "I hate elmo I hope he dies, he needs to die, he's evil iI want to kill him" etc  It's hate speech.

 

KristiS11384 Nov. 8, 2008 at 2:02 PM (Delete)

 

EXACTLY!! That is a perfect example, sis!!

(Original Poster)

[mom0f3angels]

Nov. 8, 2008 at 2:05 PM

Brie, I about fell out of my chair when I read "mental midgets". LOL!!! That was good.

(Original Poster)

[KristiS11384]

Nov. 8, 2008 at 2:10 PM

BTW I really do hate Elmo. He is annoying as all heck. I want Snuffy back!

[halfadozenofem]

Nov. 8, 2008 at 2:14 PM

 OT:Snuffy was awesome.

Ok...back to main topic.... I agree, great illustration, Kristi.