Paradox of Intolerance does not apply; hate speech is protected speech

Paul Ming
Paul Ming
Aug 22, 2017 · 1 min read

So I guess there’s this thing where arguing hate speech should be illegal, because the Paradox of Intolerance says our society will be destroyed. Here’s what Wikipedia quotes:

Less well known is the paradox of tolerance: Unlimited tolerance must lead to the disappearance of tolerance. If we extend unlimited tolerance even to those who are intolerant, if we are not prepared to defend a tolerant society against the onslaught of the intolerant, then the tolerant will be destroyed, and tolerance with them.

Do we have unlimited tolerance in the U.S., or even if not, is unlimited tolerance an ideal we should strive for?

The answer is no.

Yes, we do have the right to freedom of speech which does indeed tolerate intolerance, even hate speech spewed by neo-Nazis.

The right to free speech also tolerates everyone else speaking out against the intolerance. There’s making statements, protesting, boycotting, mocking, disassociating from said neo-Nazis, convincing, and anything else that one can legally do to make their voice heard. There are plenty of social consequences that can be brought to bear.

So while hate speech is tolerated by the Constitution, hate speech does not have to be tolerated by people. Our society does not have unlimited tolerance of intolerance, unless we allow it. So don’t allow it!

Adventures in Punditry

Musings on U.S. politics

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Paul Ming

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Paul Ming

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Adventures in Punditry

Musings on U.S. politics

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