The case for free speech (even when it’s harmful)

About this video

• Video Title: The case for free speech (even when it’s harmful)
• Channel: Big Think
• Speakers: Jacob Mchangama
• Duration: 00:06:52

Overview

This video argues for the importance of free speech, even when it involves harmful or abhorrent ideas. It explains how free speech is a tool for the powerless to challenge those in power and a precondition for human equality. The video highlights historical examples and legal cases to support its claims, emphasizing that suppressing speech, even hate speech, can be counterproductive and that a robust culture of free speech is a sign of a strong, tolerant society.

Key takeaways

• Free speech as a tool for the powerless: Historically, free speech has been the primary weapon for those without power to confront and challenge those in authority and to expose abuses.
• Erosion of faith in free speech: Despite benefiting from free speech, modern democracies are increasingly apprehensive about it, viewing it as a threat due to the spread of disinformation, hate speech, and extremism.
• Historical significance: Free speech is a relatively recent concept and should not be taken for granted, as its loss could have significant negative consequences.
• Frederick Douglass as an example: Douglass, an escaped slave, used speech to advocate against slavery, demonstrating that free speech is crucial for human equality, especially for the oppressed.
• No viewpoint discrimination: The government should not punish individuals for expressing specific viewpoints, regardless of how abhorrent they may seem.
• The Brandenburg v. Ohio case: This Supreme Court case established that free speech protections extend even to those expressing hateful views, as suppressing such speech can be detrimental to minority rights and overall freedom.
• The risk of martyrdom: Suppressing speech, even hateful speech, can inadvertently create martyrs out of those whose views are silenced, making them appear more influential.
• Free speech as a challenge to negative human traits: Free speech is essential for challenging humanity's capacity for cruelty, delusion, and narrow-mindedness.
• A resilient culture of free speech: This is characterized by a societal recognition and valuation of tolerance for opposing ideas, and a commitment to resolving disagreements through dialogue rather than violence.