Derek Bok First Amendment Essay

The First Amendment prevents the government from making laws that prohibit religion and most importantly, freedom of speech. Free speech has become a very tricky topic nowadays, especially in universities. Many people have many options when it comes to this. Some argue that hate speech should be banned, including any type of hate symbols and flags. Others argue that hate speech should not be banned because it is a form for students to express themselves and their beliefs. Another group believes that this generation is too sensitive and should grow a thicker skin. Before I say what I think should be done, let's dig in more to this topic.

Derek Bok, a lawyer, educator, and former president of Harvard University, talks about an issue that happened at Harvard University. A couple of students” hung confederate flags in public viewing” (bok), another student became upset with this and hung a swastika flag. Something small and simple can be taken the wrong way by other viewers. Bok states that these are college kids and they know better. “I am sure that the vast majority of Harvard students believe that hanging a confederate flag in public view or displaying a swastika in response, is incentive and unwise.” (bok) As simple as a flag, it can start a much bigger issue. These college students are attending Harvard, because it is Harvard you would think these students would handle this type of situation in a much more worldly, wise manner. But sadly that was not the case here.

Bok states that “Students have argued that Harvard requires the removal of symbols that offend many members of the community” (bok) Other students also argued that the symbols are a form of free speech and should be left alone. Even though these symbols are a form of speech, some of these symbols are a way to spread hate towards others. College campuses are supposed to make students feel safe and welcome. If there are hate/offensive symbols all around the school, students won’t feel safe or accepted. In every university, there is a lot of diversity and by that I mean there are a lot of different races, religions and color of skin. Why spread hate when you can get to know different types of cultures and open your mind to other possibilities? Derek Bok also points out, “The fact that speech is protected by the First Amendment does not necessarily mean that it is right, proper, or civil” (bok) I agree a lot with this statement. Our First Amendment is freedom of speech but we should still consider of other people's feelings and respect them as humans and their beliefs. Some people think just because we have freedom of speech we have every right to judge and hate others. Freedom of speech was made for us to respect one another. Our country is filled with diversity, just walking down the street you see all types of different people. These people have different beliefs, believe in a different God, eat different food, look differently. Bok states that even though the First Amendment was meant to have all the right intentions, we have turned it into something negative in our community.

Bok argues that students should educate themselves more and learn to respect others. “In talking with students, they should seek to educate and persuade, rather than resort to ridicule or intimidation.” (bok) I agree with his opinion, instead of students acting upon their first impulse. Students should educate themselves and others. Students should pursue one another and respectfully share their opinions.

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Charles R. Lawrence III is an author and professor of law. He talks a lot more coming from experience and from what he has seen. He establishes that “minority” groups are people of color or any other race that is not Caucasian. He points out “Members of minority groups realize that they are likely to lose if they respond to epithets by fighting and are forced to remain silent and submissive” (Lawrence) Minority groups tend to have more to lose when they are faced with speaking up for themselves, next to the fact that people don’t listen to them the same way they do for Caucasians. He also says “A Minority student should not have to risk becoming the target of racially assaulting speech every time he or she chooses to walk across campus” (Lawrence) I strongly agree with his judgment. College campuses should give students a safe environment for them to be themselves. Lawrence mentions how students are afraid to walk across campus or speak their native languages because students feel like they might be attacked or judged.

Charles Lawrence argues that hate speech should not be banned “We recognized that minority groups suffer pain and injury as a result of racist speech, but we must allow this hate-mongering for the benefit of society as a whole.” (Lawrence) He states that even though hate speech has not always worked in our favor, it should not be banned. Minorities should take the upper hand and ignore all the hate that is happening around them. Banned freedom of speech is banning the little bit of a say that minorities have. Minorities Don’t have much to say when it comes to speaking up, they can speak up but they're already not being respected. Larence believes that if hate speech is banned so is the voice that minorities have.

In the article, “When is speech violence?” written by Lisa Field Barrett. Establishes that words hurt more than physical violence. She mentions the phrase “Sticks and stones can break my bones but words will never hurt me”. Sadly this phrase is not that simple, words can cut bigger wounds than an actual cut. She says “‘Words have a powerful effect on your nervous system.” (Barett) In the long run, words have bigger consequences than a punch in the face. Being insulted and being told how you don’t belong somewhere just because of what you look like or being treated just because of your race can have a higher effect on you in the future.

In my opinion, Hate speech should be prohibited. For me, hate speech is just another way of bullying someone and in the long run, it has the same side effects. Sadly, it takes one person to ruin it for everybody. In this world, not everyone knows how to respect one another. Some people argue that students just need to grow a thicker skin and move on with their lives. But this is much more than that. Hate speech are made to spread hate, are meant to hurt others. If people knew how to respect others, their beliefs, and where they come from, I would be against banning Hate speech but sadly that is not the case. Because of one person spreading hate, everyone thinks that is okay to hate on one, and minorities are suffering the consequences.