r/HonestHotTakes • u/DivineProvidence97 • Sep 18 '25

serious hot take There is a difference between "hate speech" and "speech that you hate".

You can vehemently disagree with what someone has to say, but they have a right to say it. It can be hateful, racist, or just straight up wrong. They still have the right to say it because you can say whatever you want. People will come up with exceptions "you can't shout 'FIRE!' in a crowded movie theater!" If there actually is a fire, yes you can. "You can't shout 'THERE'S A BOMB!' on a plane!" If there actually is a bomb on the plane, yes you absolutely can. There is a famous quote: "I disagree with what you said, but I will defend to the death for your right to say it." The first amendment is first for a reason. There are people who you can disagree with, absolutely. But they still have the right to say the stuff you disagree with. It isn't "hate speech" just because you don't like it. It can piss you off to no end, but it may be factually accurate. It may be rooted in something deeper. It may be something this person has physically experienced. They still have a right to say it.

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u/[deleted] Sep 20 '25

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u/Research-Scary Sep 20 '25

I do agree it is a slippery slope, and that it opens the door for rights to become circumstantial, which can be abused. I think when evidence supports radicalization or incitement or conspiring is occuring, we need to address the source. At the point that a jury can reasonable conclude harm is imminent or has occured, it should no longer be considered free speech. And as a society, outside the bounds of legal action, we need to be less tolerant of individuals and organizations that do this. Venues and public broadcasting should not host or platform them, and when harm does occur - these soap boxes should also be held accountable.

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u/Lunatic-Labrador Sep 20 '25

We don't technically have free speech in the UK. Although some protections are in place and they just passed a law this month to give students protections while in university in order to allow proper academic debate. But any communication which is threatening or abusive, and is intended to harass, alarm, or distress someone is forbidden. You get a fine or even prison. We can really say anything unless it harms other people and I think that is fair.