Hate: Why We Should Resist It with Free Speech, Not Censorship (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780190859121)

The updated paperback edition of HATE dispels misunderstandings plaguing our perennial debates about "hate speech vs. free speech," showing that the First Amendment approach promotes free speech and democracy, equality, and societal harmony. As "hate speech" has no generally accepted definition, we hear many incorrect assumptions that it is either absolutely unprotected or absolutely protected from censorship. Rather, U.S. law allows government to punish hateful or discriminatory speech in specific contexts when it directly causes imminent serious harm. Yet, government may not punish such speech solely because its message is disfavored, disturbing, or vaguely feared to possibly contribute to some future harm. "Hate speech" censorship proponents stress the potential harms such speech might further: discrimination, violence, and psychic injuries. However, there has been little analysis of whether censorship effectively counters the feared injuries. Citing evidence from many countries, this book shows that "hate speech" are at best ineffective and at worst counterproductive. Therefore, prominent social justice advocates worldwide maintain that the best way to resist hate and promote equality is not censorship, but rather, vigorous "counterspeech" and activism.

Author: Nadine Strossen
ISBN-10: 0190859121
ISBN-13: 9780190859121
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Language: English
Published: 05/01/2018
Pages: 232
Format: Hardcover
Weight: 0.85lbs
Size: 8.30h x 5.80w x 0.80d

Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 01/01/0001
Library Journal 07/01/2018 pg. 83
Choice 10/01/2018