Tolerating Hate: Muslim Protests Show the Limits of Free Speech

[sysop]

The anti-Islam film "Innocence of Muslims" has sparked protests across the Muslim world. Several people have already died in the wave of violence. The conflict raises questions about how far the West is prepared to go in defending freedom of expression. <i>By SPIEGEL Staff</i>

http://www.spiegel.de/international/...856216,00.html

[dudefriend]

"FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION IS NON SENSE"

When u attack black people, They call it "Racism",
When u attack Jewish people, They call it "Anti-semetism",
When u attack Women, They call it "Gender discrimination",
When u attack Homosexuality, They call it "Intolerance",
When u attack your Country, They call it "Terrorism",
When u attack a Religious sect, they call it "Hate speech",
But when They attack at the dignity of our Prophet MUHAMMAD (Peace be upon him) They call it "Freedom of Expression"

[pteranodon]

Very interesting article, but a pretty bad case of "Denglisch." I'm a native German, and even I can tell that this was translated either by Google Translate or an inexperienced intern.

[EdwardTomchin]

The video, "Innocence of Muslims" is not in any sense of the word, Free Speech. The rights granted by our Constitution are not absolute. Any speech which incites to riot or violence are not covered under the 1st Amendment right of free speech. To say that it is, does the United States and it's citizens a great disservice.

[koda]

Originally Posted by sysop

The anti-Islam film "Innocence of Muslims" has sparked protests across the Muslim world. Several people have already died in the wave of violence. The conflict raises questions about how far the West is prepared to go in defending freedom of expression. <i>By SPIEGEL Staff</i>

http://www.spiegel.de/international/...856216,00.html

and that film is not worth to discuss or to feel insultet - at least for people with brain.

[BTraven]

I have the feeling that the Danish caricaturist who caused a similar mess some time ago was not so much criticised. Can it be that Copts are second class Christians? While the caricatures resemble the drawings the hate sheet “Der Stürmer” used to print in order to fuel anti-Semitism the movie seems to have no features which are typical of a Nazi propaganda film therefore the makers are “innocent” in a certain sense. I think that should be considered. It's just terribly made. Dilettantism does not create hate. Only perfectionism can do it.

[longknife]

The video DID NOT spark the riots!!!

It was an excuse by Islamic religious leaders to stir up ignorant, uneducated masses to protest the miserable conditions they live it - directed at Obama and the USA. A sly plan to steer their anger away from the true source of their misery - a religion that does everything in its power to keep its followers in the 8th century.

The masses have risen up against an "enemy" they see as being weak because of Obama's efforts at appeasement.

[Lochgelly]

As an American attorney, my education was steeped in the Constitution. "Free speech" is sancrosect in America. It is the best way and it has been tested by over 200 years of research. The fact is, Muslims are fighting for freedom from repression and they love the ideal of democracy. However, unless they learn what "free speech" really is, all their struggles will be for naught. "Free speech" (in quotes because free speech includes not just actual speech but music movies and most political actions , i.e., flag burning) is not just the right to speak your mind, "free speech" is also having to TOLERATE that stooooopid idiot spouting off all kinds of nonsense....rascist sexist anti-religious and just plain ol' dumbass stuff. Muslims love the first part...they love being able to assemble and scream slogans, but right now anyways, that can't handle the second part. The part where you have to learn to tolerate that "other idiot."
Another thing, why do they care what the village idiot says? Before the internet, the village idiot would stand on a soapbox at the public square and spout off the nonsense. People would listen to him, point their right index finger to their temple and then make circular motions. Today, the village idiot is broadcast to billions via youtube and is given WAY MORE CREDIBILITY then they should be allowed to have...
But limit free speech? NO!!! NEVER!!!! "I may not agree with what you say but I will defend to the death your right to say it." Voltaire....and adopted by American Patriot Patrick Henry when he said, "As for me, give me liberty, or give me death." This is the correct solution. There are no limits to free speech (except the obvious, the ones that can cause bodily harm to people....yelling "Fire...Fire..." in a crowed theatre, for example...or yelling anything at night when people are trying to sleep ....disturbing the peace etc.).
I think Germany is wrong about the holocuast statement laws... (of course the holocaust was real, my father in law was amoung the first 100 troops to liberate Pilsen...)...who cares what those idiot deniers say...just ignore them is the correct way to handle those people. I mean does Germany really throw people in jail for illegal thoughts? Really? COME ON MAN! You can't regulate thoughts...and that is exactly what those laws do...
But as for the Muslim protestors, I have no problem with them protesting, but when they go out and kill people for something that they had nothing to do with...that's not just wrong, it is a million times worse then the original offense. The producers of the film are nothing but SCUMBAG AGITATORS...don't give them what they want....attention. All you have to do is respond with more "free speech." Tell them tha they are jerks...but kill innocent people? That's even more reprehensible. So I say this..(from my soapbox)Germany...get rid of the "illegal thought" laws, Muslims, go ahead and protest but let's keep things in perpsective. The ONLY WAY to fight ignorant "free speech" is with more "free speech."

[frankb022000@yahoo.com]

Muslims don't understand the concept of freedom of speech nor do they want to because it is not in the Koran.

I fully support freedom of speech no matter how stupid it is.

Hate speech is is an expression that is to induce, cause, or create an atmosphere that causes is harm merely because of sax, race, religion, color, or creed. Harm is not a person allowing himself r herself to be offended.

It is that simple.

No matter how much one loves their religion or icons it is not grounds for an exception,

People do not kill and destroy or act like immature children because of a movie or cartoon, no the reason for that is their taught mindset.
Muslims need look no further than fundamentalist clerics for examples of hate speech.The fatwa concerning Salman Rushdie is a perfect example as is what the Iranian President says concerning Israel.