Hate SpeechExploring the nature and definitions

thereof

Wikipedia

O In law, hate speech is any speech, gesture or conduct, writing, or display which is forbidden because it may incite violence or prejudicial action against or by a protected individual or group, or because it disparages or intimidates a protected individual or group.

Dictionary.com

OSpeech that attacks a person or group on the basis of race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.

USA Education Guides

O"A term for speech intended to degrade, intimidate, or incite violence or prejudicial action against someone based on race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. The term covers written as well as oral communication."

US Legal.comO "Hate speech is a communication that carries

no meaning other than the expression of hatred for some group, especially in circumstances in which the communication is likely to provoke violence. It is an incitement to hatred primarily against a group of persons defined in terms of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and the like. Hate speech can be any form of expression regarded as offensive to racial, ethnic and religious groups and other discrete minorities or to women."

More Info from Wikipedia

O In some countries, a victim of hate speech may seek redress under civil law, criminal law, or both. A website that uses hate speech is called a hate site. Most of these sites contain Internet forums and news briefs that emphasize a particular viewpoint. There has been debate over how freedom of speech applies to the Internet.

O Critics have argued that the term "hate speech" is a contemporary example of Newspeak, used to silence critics of social policies that have been poorly implemented in a rush to appear politically correct.

A Recent CaseO A cadet at a military academy was

censured and then asked to remove the following because another student lodged a formal complaint that it was offensive.

O All cadets are provided with white boards for their own personal use on their doors but they are in government provided dorm housing.

Outcome:O Cadet’s commanding officer was

punished for not handling this quickly enough.

O The cadet chose to erase the message to avoid further conflict.

What Do You ThinkO Write a 1 paragraph response expressing

your thoughts about Hate Speech and the debate surrounding it. Articulate what side you are on and why. Consider yesterday’s discussion of “Trigger Warnings” to prevent possible hate speech. Is this a good idea? How far should it be taken? This is meant as intellectual discourse so school appropriate language please but other than that be as honest as you like.