Editing Free Speech

Theoretically, free speech should include all types of speech, not discriminating against fighting words. I believe that to be totally free in what you say you must be permitted to say whatever you want to, whenever you want to, however you want to. That is free speech, but that is not what is being granted.

I do not condone the hateful responses to the GSA chalking. The phrase “God hates fags” is insulting and totally inappropriate according to our societal standards. It encourages hate, violence, and insecurity – nothing good is coming from that phrase. However the Bible passage is more subtle and less offensive, while still getting the point across. It was written to make people think, not place a direct attack on homosexuals.

That said, I think that GSA could be considered out of line too. One of the largest chalkings was the phrase “Equality over ignorance,” and I think that this could be construed as a hateful message as well. People who do not believe in homosexuality are being labeled as ignorant, and this too is offensive. I, personally, do not find anything wrong with that saying, but I would understand if some people did and were simply responding to it.

In regards to “free speech” in general: I believe that the right is limited (which doesn’t make it really “free,” but that is another issue). Free speech is wonderful, until it infringes on other people’s right to security. Accusatory words and offensive phrases have violent implications, and are therefore shredding away from a safe, civilized society. Rights sometime have to be limited in order to preserve societal order. Opinions can always be stated in a non-violent way, so limiting freedom of speech shouldn’t be considered “limiting,” but rather just “editing.”