Four in five Americans, according to a new poll from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, believe “at least somewhat” that words may amount to crime.
Forty-five percent of those surveyed said they agreed” completely” or “mostly” with the statement “words can be violence”, with another 22 percent saying” somewhat”.
Only 20 % of respondents said that their words “does not describe my feelings at all.”
Those most likely to agree with the statement were women and people of the Democratic Party, those least plausible were Republicans, politicians, and people.
( Of note, overall almost three-quarters of Republicans and men did” slightly”,” somewhat”, “mostly”, or” completely” agree with the statement. )
This likely surprises few as the “words are violence” mantra is n’t an uncommon sentiment at American universities. Request Ann Coulter when she attempted to speak at Cornell. Or Christina Hoff Sommers at Oberlin College.
Or Matt Walsh at Washington and Lee University. Or the Pomona College kids who dressed up as “mad experts” for a group.
And remember that Laverne Cox, a transgender TV character, once said that asking “her” a man “is an act of violence.”
Other benefits from the ballot include:
Only 55 % of Americans believed they should be able to “post a parody video mocking a candidate for public business.”
— Really over one-third of respondents said that people “definitely or possibly should have the right to use vulgarity when speaking with elected officials”
— A mere one-quarter of Americans believe freedom of speech is” secure”.
— About two-thirds believe the U. S. is “heading in the WRONG course” when it comes to being “able to openly express their views”.
From the Hearth votes press release:
Gen-Zers were also more likely to say that thoughts are crime, with just 12 % of 18-24-year-olds rejecting the idea entirely. But seniors are n’t far behind, with 16 % of those older than 65 saying it does n’t describe their thoughts at all. Gen X is the most speech-supportive time party, with 32 % of those between the age of 45 and 52 totally rejecting the idea that words can be murder. …
According to FIRE President and CEO Greg Lukianoff, “equating words with violence trivializes real physical damage, shuts down conversations, and also encourages true violence by justifying the use of force against insulting speech.” ” Free speech is n’t crime, it’s the best solution to violence previously invented”.
Sean Stevens, the head of FIRE’s studies advisory team, stated that “you definitely have the First Amendment right to use vulgarity when speaking to lawmakers. Some may claim they’re the ones who deserve it most”.
MORE: On school, words and solitude are both crime: ‘ It’s the Kobayashi Maru ‘
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