5 ms·
Very american perspective. Here in Canada (and many other places in the world) we have laws against hate speech. The definition is here (http://en.wikipedia.org
by kennywinker 14y ago
Very american perspective. Here in Canada (and many other places in the world) we have laws against hate speech. The definition is here (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hate_speech#Canada http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hate_speech#Canada).
Words have an impact on the world. If you call for violence against a group of people, you can be held accountable for that in Canada. Nobody is saying you can't say "I hate <group of people>", but when you say "<group of people> should be killed" you've crossed a line and can be held legally accountable.
It's a tricky issue, but personally I think our system is more in line with most people's natural sense of morality. If I call for violence, and violence happens, am I not at least partially culpable in that violence? Especially if I am a community leader, or other person of influence.
- Dylan16807 14y agoYou'll still get in trouble in the US if you're inciting specific crimes. But "all them ___ should be shot" is just a (bad) opinion. And you can impotently rant about those all you want.
- kennywinker 14y agoI disagree that "all them ___ should be shot" is always impotent ranting. That's ignoring the influence people can have over other people.