'Free Speech Or Censorship: Their Is No Middle Ground'

Manuel Armendariz

McKennon

English 103—21292

12 April 2016

The Freedom to Hate Apart from restricting our freedom of exploration, censorship protects individuals from inappropriate materials; however, it also limits free speech. Though censorship has limited our freedom of speech, it has impacted our society in both positive and negative ways. In the article, “Free Speech or Censorship: Their is no Middle Ground” by Don Watkins, he defines free speech as “the right to express the products of the mind using whatever words or images one chooses over a medium one can rightfully access, without interference by the government” (Watkins ). As most people know, not all individuals have the same view system or dogma as one another. We all

In most countries, they don't have much freedom when it comes to saying there what they want. Their thoughts, ideas, and beliefs must stay within themselves to avoid any kind of trouble with the government. A communist country with a dictatorship that has experiences problems with free speech and press is Cuba. “Comparatively to the United States, Cuba grants its citizens much less freedom to express opinions and share information, much of it established from the major institution in place: the Communist Party of Cuba” (Daul). Citizens in the Cuba can be punished by getting put away in jail or even death if they break any laws: the free speech and press law. Conversely, the United States does not and should not limit their citizens freedom of speech, unless it is a threat that will harm the public. In the United States, freedom of speech is guaranteed, meaning people can assemble for peaceful protests without any fear at danger of imprisonment. Freedom of speech in our country has also led to the inventions of many great ideas. People have the opportunity to listen to new opinions other than their own and become more productive and informed. It also allows people know which opinions are the majority. Politicians exercise the 1st amendment excessively when they are on the stand reading their speech. If our government was not to be democratic, our freedom

“Free Speech and Free Press Around the World” www.freespeechfreepress.com In the article by S.Daul is discussing how different the free speech laws in Cuba are from the ones here in the United States. “Comparatively to the United States, Cuba grants its citizens much less freedom to express opinions and share information, much of it established from the major institution in place: the Communist Party of Cuba”. People in Cuba have a minimum amount of things they can say when it comes to speaking or expressing their opinion. Fidel Castro the dictator or Cuba has many restrictions, breaking the law can lead to prison, and death.

Rottenberg, Annette T. "The Case for Censoring Hate Speech on the Internet." Elements of Argument: A Text and Reader. Eleventh ed. S.l.: Bedford Bks St Martin'S, 2015. N. pag. Print. In the article by Sean McElwee he explains if their should be a stricter regulation for Internet speech. He explains how hate speech is strong through the Internet, it intimidates minorities, “However, with the Internet public dialogue has moved online, where hate speech is easy and anonymous” (McElwee p.550). With that quote he shows how people act as a bigger person when they are anonymous and behind a computer