"I can say whatever I want to say and you cannot stop me!" Is this statement completely accurate? The First Amendment to the United States Constitution does guarantee freedom of speech, but is it an absolute promise? According to this document, it is allowable for a person to verbally express how they feel. Being that the First Amendment also grants freedom of press, a person is also able to publish a written article, describing one's feelings. .
Many controversies have developed through the years in regards to how much freedom a person should be entitled to. Should a person be allowed to express themselves freely? Can a man of one race slander a man of a different race? Is this right?.
Lawfully, it is justifiable by the books for someone to insult a member of a different social class, race, or community, but can it be justified morally? The First Amendment does state: "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances." Although a person is given the liberty to make it clear how they feel about certain matters, I do not support the idea that people can go around saying whatever they want, to whomever they please. I think that people need to have a little dignity and respect for others.
In the discussion led by Arthur Miller from the Harvard Law School, many university representatives were asked to discuss their views on particular matters regarding the First Amendment. The main topic of discussion seemed to deal with racial equality, or lack there of. Is it alright for students or any person to be able to discredit a particular race? Should we limit this occurrence to minimize feelings of interrogation? The discussion that took place involved several men contributing their own ideas and viewpoints on the subject matter.
