Free speech is the best weapon against hate speech
The Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill would criminalise racist speech. Almost every supporter of the bill see legislation as a means to “eliminate racism”. The problem is that trying to eliminate racism is like trying to pin down mercury. Racism is an expression of people’s thoughts and feelings, upbringing and experience, interactions and education — these all change over time. Often racism ebbs and flows depending on people’s personal experiences of the political forces in society. Criminalisation isn't the answer.
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Free speech is the best weapon against hate speech
The Prevention and Combating of Hate Crimes and Hate Speech Bill would criminalise racist speech. Almost every supporter of the bill see legislation as a means to “eliminate racism”. The problem is that trying to eliminate racism is like trying to pin down mercury. Racism is an expression of people’s thoughts and feelings, upbringing and experience, interactions and education — these all change over time. Often racism ebbs and flows depending on people’s personal experiences of the political forces in society. Criminalisation isn't the answer.
This article first appeared in the Daily Maverick and the link to the article is inserted here.