Journal # 4

Freedom of Speech. Should there be limits to this constitutional guarantee?

Freedom of speech can be a very good and bad thing. It all depends on how you use it. Freedom of speech allows people to express their opinions and be heard, which is very important in a democratic society. I believe people should have a voice of their own, unless they are saying something that expresses hatred against others of course. Expressing hatred against others is definitely wrong, as it only hurts people’s feelings. Therefore, I believe there should be limits on the freedom of speech constitutional guarantee, because it will stop people from expressing unjust hatred, stop people from discriminating against others, and enforce the well known saying “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”

To begin with, there should be limits on the freedom of speech because it will stop people from expressing hatred against each other. If there were no limits on the freedom of speech, a lot of people would decide they need to speak their minds at all times, even if this means hating on others and hurting other people verbally. People will start making comments that would offend others, which could lead to a lot more arguments or even acts of violence. Setting limits on the freedom of speech ensures that people are not saying words of hate just because they can under the constitution.

Secondly, no good can come from saying things that are insulting to others. Total freedom of speech would allow discriminating against certain people, which is obviously not encouraged, especially in a multicultural country like ours. Everybody is equal and nobody should have the right of being superior by putting down others only because they’re different. Racism and other types of discrimination only worsen the world because it causes arguments and disputes which often lead to fights and wars. Setting limits on the freedom of speech only helps our world because it makes sure people are prevented from saying things that cause nothing but chaos in our society.

Lastly, “if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.” This quote should be learned and followed because it helps promote a better functioning society. Only speaking to say helpful and generous things is acceptable, as people learn to care for each other. However, saying hurtful things only creates differences amongst people, leading to a life full of vengeance and hatred. If you don’t have anything nice to say, individuals should learn to keep comments to themselves. Placing limits on the freedom of speech will help to ensure that this quote is being followed and people are only saying things that are good.

In conclusion, there should be limits on the freedom of speech because it will prevent people from spreading hatred against other groups, discriminating against certain people, and keeping comments to themselves if they have nothing nice to say. Freedom of speech is a very important thing because it allows people to say what they believe, but some people start to take advantage of their rights, which is why sometimes rights or privileges need to be limited.