Civil Liberties

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From the beginning, the United States Constitution has guaranteed the American people civil liberties. These liberties have given citizens rights to speak, believe, and act freely. The Constitution grants citizens the courage to express their mind about something they believe is immoral or unjust. The question is, how far are citizens willing to extend the meanings of these liberties? Some people believe that American citizens take advantage of their civil liberties, harming those around them. On the contrary, many other people feel that civil liberties are necessary tools to fight for their Constitutional rights. Critics believe that American citizens take advantage of civil liberties supporting limits on freedom of speech. They believe that degradation of humanity is inherent in unregulated speech. For example, according to Delgado and Stefancic, a larger or more authoritative person can use hate speech to physically threaten and intimidate those who are less significant (qtd. in Martin 49). Freedom of speech can also be used to demoralize ethnic and religious minorities. Author Liam Martin, points out that if one wants to state that a minority is inferior, one must prove it scientifically (45-46). Discouraging minorities can lead to retaliation, possibly resulting in crimes or threatening situations. "Then, the response is internalized, as it must be, for talking back will be futile or even dangerous. In fact, many hate crimes have taken place when the victim did just that-spoke back to the aggressor and paid with his or her life" (qtd. in Martin 49). Therefore, critics believe that Americans do not take into account the harm they may cause people and support limits on freedom of speech. Still, supporters f... ... middle of paper ... ...n Espejo. Farmington Hills, MI: Greenhaven Press, 2009. 131-141. Print. Katskee, Richard B. "Federally Supported Faith-Based Charitable Organizations Should Not Promote Religion." Opposing Viewpoints: Civil Liberties. Ed. Roman Espejo. Farmington Hills, MI: Greenhaven Press, 2009. 139-144. Print. Martin, Liam. "Hate Speech Should Be Regulated." Opposing Viewpoints: Civil Liberties. Ed. Roman Espejo. Farmington Hills, MI: Greenhaven Press, 2009. 42-53. Print. Scalia, Antonin. "Posting the Ten Commandments in Public Areas Is Constitutional." Opposing Viewpoints: Civil Liberties. Ed. Roman Espejo. Farmington Hills, MI: Greenhaven Press, 2009. 145-155. Print. Turner, Michael. "Technology Should Not Be Blamed for All Privacy Threats." Opposing Viewpoints: Civil Liberties. Ed. Roman Espejo. Farmington Hills, MI: Greenhaven Press, 2009. 181-188. Print.

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