Are There Limits to the First Amendment?

The First Amendment guarantees all American citizens the right to free speech. Free speech is a major part of the foundation of American society. Every American should stand up for injustice and make their voice heard. Equality and freedom are core American values of American society and should be protected. Many Americans use the first amendment to do this.

Unfortunately, many people use the first amendment to instill racism, sexism, ageism, and homophobia. Is this what the Founding Fathers intended when the first amendment was created? Better yet, does it even matter at this point? Freedom of speech is necessary, however there are negatives. People can spew all the hatred they want. Sally Kerns, the Ku Klux Clan, and everyone in between can say whatever they want.

Some of the words that come out of people's mouths may be harmful, but that does not mean that they should not be allowed to say them. Let people make fools of themselves. Let people expose their true selves with the words that come out of their mouths. Someone's thoughts and opinions shouldn't be silenced simply for their ignorance. In fact, they should be exposed. Open dialogue, regardless of its content, needs to happen. That is the only way a society grows. Silencing someone's opinions does not stop them from having them. In fact, it only makes them stronger. It would be great if everyone valued equality, freedom, and the American dream, but this is not reality. Not everyone believes in the words of a figure like Gandhi or Martin Luther King. Some people hate gays. Some people hate blacks, Hispanics and Jews. These people should voice their opinions! This is the only way they are exposed. A society cannot deal with problems if they are not out in the open. Freedom of speech, including everything from music, film, and literature, really exposes the values of Americans, by putting a microscope everyday life. Words can be offensive. Words can even make people cry. When someone is outraged with the words of someone else, they should use their words to speak out!

Freedom of speech should only be censored when it poses a threat to the well-being of the masses. If someone's life is physical danger because of someone's ignorance and hatred, then something needs to be done. Every individual has the right to feel safe. No one should be put in a situation where they fear for their life.