Hate speech should not be protected by the First Amendment.

The definition of “hate speech” by the Merriam-Webster dictionary is speech expressing hatred of a particular group of people.

Many say that hate speech, although extremely racist or homophobic, is protected by the First Amendment.

However, inciting violence is not protected by the First Amendment.

For example, an anti-abortion website was sued for publishing information about abortion doctors and their families. Although it did not directly state threats, website readers displayed violent behavior toward the doctors. The website was found guilty of inciting violence.

This means that even if no direct threat is made, it can still promote violence. Hate speech usually does not directly threaten people of a certain race, but it can cause people to take initiative and turn to violence.

For example, hate speech can talk about how certain races are dangerous. This can cause people to seek a way to defend themselves. Then, the next time someone of a different race comes around, they can become defensive and pull out a weapon.

If people feel they are in danger, they could also try to get the upper hand and attack someone before someone “attacks” them.

Overall, hate speech can cause paranoia and stereotyping, two things that cause people to act irrationally.

21kboyle@usd489.com