Hate: Why We Should Resist It with Free Speech, Not Censorship

The updated paperback edition of HATE dispels misunderstandings plaguing our perennial debates about "hate speech vs. free speech," showing that the First Amendment approach promotes free speech and democracy, equality, and societal harmony. As "hate speech" has no generally accepted definition, we hear many incorrect assumptions that it is either absolutely unprotected or absolutely protected from censorship. Rather, U.S. law allows government to punish hateful or discriminatory speech in specific contexts when it directly causes imminent serious harm. Yet, government may not punish such speech solely because its message is disfavored, disturbing, or vaguely feared to possibly contribute to some future harm. "Hate speech" censorship proponents stress the potential harms such speech might further: discrimination, violence, and psychic injuries. However, there has been little analysis of whether censorship effectively counters the feared injuries. Citing evidence from many
countries, this book shows that "hate speech" are at best ineffective and at worst counterproductive. Therefore, prominent social justice advocates worldwide maintain that the best way to resist hate and promote equality is not censorship, but rather, vigorous "counterspeech" and activism.


Author: Nadine Strossen
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Published: 05/01/2018
Pages: 232
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.85lbs
Size: 8.30h x 5.80w x 0.80d
ISBN: 9780190859121


Review Citation(s):
Kirkus Reviews 01/01/0001
Library Journal 07/01/2018 pg. 83
Choice 10/01/2018

About the Author

New York Law School professor Nadine Strossen, the immediate past President of the American Civil Liberties Union (1991-2008), is a leading expert and frequent speaker/media commentator on constitutional law and civil liberties, who has testified before Congress on multiple occasions. She serves on
the advisory boards of the ACLU, Electronic Privacy Information Center, Foundation for Individual Rights in Education (FIRE), and Heterodox Academy. The National Law Journal has named Strossen one of America's "100 Most Influential Lawyers," and several other national publications have named her one
of the country's most influential women. HATE was selected by Washington University as its 2019 "Common Read."