Free Speech - Arguments against it?

[Lars]

Hi,

I have to take part in a debate (Ethics class) and have to be against free speech. So I was wondering if there are any web sites that have listed some arguments against free speech (hate speech, pornography, ...)? If yes, could you please post the link? Also do you have any arguments of your own for restricting free speech? It is so much easier to find arguments for truly free speech out there ...

Thanks in advance

(Just because I am on the CON team of the free speech discussion does not mean that I am against free speech)

 

[ElFenix]

some germans and french probably have some good arguments against it. they're a bit more culturally sensitive and feel that reminding people of historical events within the past century might be painful to certain members of society.


sorry my advice isn't very good but i've dismissed most arguments as i'm a staunch supporter of damn near unrestricted free speech. inciting immediate violence shouldn't be covered, nor lying, stuff like that.

 

[Kadarin]

Wow, now that's a hell of a position to try to debate It could be fun.

While I don't have any specific examples, I'm pretty sure John Ashcroft may have said a thing or two to support your case. Also, in addition to the "too much free speech can promote terrorism" (ok, so that's an overgeneralization) argument, you could also approach it from a "too much free speech encourages copyright violation" and could destabilize the economy (another overgeneralization). For that you could go to the RIAA and MPAA websites for propaganda. Look also at historical reasons why governments restrict free speech in their populations.

Good luck!

 

[Orsorum]

Astaroth... just gotta say, your sig is one of the funniest things I've ever seen!

Aside from the immediate danger clause, and endangerment of property, life or liberty, I don't personally think there are many; copyright infringement, intellectual property.

 

[Lars]

<< some germans and french probably have some good arguments against it >>



I am German (foreign student), but that does not help me in this case. I just can't find any good arguments against free speech.

 

[Orsorum]

<<

<< some germans and french probably have some good arguments against it >>



I am German (foreign student), but that does not help me in this case. I just can't find any good arguments against free speech. >>



Intellectual property infringement... mental health and property of others... hurting peoples' feelings... etc.

 

[SackOfAllTrades]

Defamation of character. Yes you have a right to say what you want, but have a right not to have my reputation harmed because if it.

 

[Lars]

<<

<<

<< some germans and french probably have some good arguments against it >>



I am German (foreign student), but that does not help me in this case. I just can't find any good arguments against free speech. >>



Intellectual property infringement... mental health and property of others... hurting peoples' feelings... etc. >>



I will look for information about those topics, but we are supposed to mainly discuss hate speech and pornography.

 

[Orsorum]

<< I will look for information about those topics, but we are supposed to mainly discuss hate speech and pornography. >>



Ah... didn't know that was supposed to be a focus.

In that case, I would say, possible mental and social harm to both participators and viewers of pornography, and incitement of violence for perpetrators of hate speech.

 

[Elledan]

Without restrictions on free speech, groups like the KKK, Nazis etc. are free to say whatever they want. Laws against discimination are already a restriction on free speech.

 

[Vernor]

Incitemment - Flag burning. The GOP still supports a constitutional amendment for that one.


Pornography - Some interesting pro-censorship stuff on feminist sites.
The People vs. Larry Flint is a film worth checking out.

 

[brxndxn]

The n-word (you know, great person)... I hear black people don't like to be called it. Also, white people are offended if they hear it. But, if you're black, then it's okay and it means 'friend'.

I don't think that word is a big deal. If racial slurs were considered funny, then people wouldn't have their ticket to complain.

 

[Lars]

Thanks. Any more ideas or even some web sites about it?

 

[Tauren]

<<Arguments against it?>>


Jerboy's posts.

 

[JohnnyReb]

I have to take part in a debate (Ethics class) and have to be against free speech. So I was wondering if there are any web sites that have listed some arguments against free speech (hate speech, pornography, ...)? If yes, could you please post the link? Also do you have any arguments of your own for restricting free speech? It is so much easier to find arguments for truly free speech out there ...

Since this is an Ethics class you need to first determine the foundation behind the anti-free speech stance. This would almost have to take the form of controlling the population. I would take a hint from the socialist. Assume a need for a strong national government. Assert that the peoples trust is best in the government, and that it is dangerous to allow anyone to say just anything. Speech is inflammatory and promotes insurrection. Take an anti-terrorist stance. Take an anti-hate stance which will be very popular. Establish early the need for speech control by pointing out the obvious "you can't yell fire in a crowded theater". You have to start where people are and take them where you want them to go. Start with the Fire argument showing that pure libertarian free speech is dangerous (associating free speech with libertarians will help, as almost nobody is libertarian).

Just some thoughts. This is a winnable debate, even though your position is completely in the wrong. You do not have to be right to win.

John

 

[mithrandir2001]

Some speech has no redeeming social, political or intellectual value. The word "obscene" is often used to describe this. I tend to think that hate speech does not deserve free speech protections, but of course, the pitfalls involve what constitutes "hate" and/or "obscene" speech.

 

[Gonad the Barbarian]

Good arguemnt against free speech? Good luck finding one. Here are some bad ones though:

Silences the voice of the people (good if you are a dictator I guess).
Protects people from offensive material (ban it and it goes away of course).

 

[her209]

Free Speech is always good!

However, your constitutional rights are provided so long as you don't infringe upon others. ie, your "free" speech may prevent them from the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness.

 

[Kilrsat]

<< The word "obscene" is often used to describe this. I tend to think that hate speech does not deserve free speech protections, but of course, the pitfalls involve what constitutes "hate" and/or "obscene" speech. >>


Things like "obscene" were originally supposed to be defined by local communities, so that it would vary from place to place just based on what the community thought was acceptable and what it did not. However, it seems somewhere along the line we lost the local community aspect of obscene and went with blanket standards.

**actual topic contribution**
The easiest way to find ideas against something you would normally never question is to take it to the farthest extreme possible and argue against that.

Reasons against hate speech - Increases violence, increases other criminal activity. Why? Angry people are more likely to hit someone than a calm person. Hate speech incites anger, etc. Easy

Reasons against pornography - Some strange old man stands out on the street and hands out porn. As a parent, you may not wish to expose your child to that at this point in time, this old man has now taken away your right to raise your child as you deem to be in the best interests of your child.