Bok's Essay

I would agree with Bok’s point view one hundred percent. Granted people will say things that offend or demean others but these are just forms of expression. Who are we to say that one person’s belief is less important compared to another’s. Also, if we censor one form of expression then we’ll have to do so multiple times until there is nothing to be expressed. “Hate speech” is a form of expression that should not be censored as long as it does the physical harm of another person.

An appropriate response to the subject of free speech would be to inquire what if someone becomes depressed and suicidal from so-called “hate-speech.” We can say and speak almost anything in this country but it is not an entirely “free” country. You can’t yell “fire” in a crowded theater. But for the most part we live in a country that does not inhibit the expression of a particular belief, religious preferences, and many other ideals.