Freedom Of Speech Essay Example

As we all know that the 1st Amendment gave us freedom of speech. Everybody will be wondering why do we need limits on freedom of speech? Is freedom of speech helpful or hurtful? In my opinion, I think we do need limits on freedom of speech because there are always advantages and disadvantages of every single thing. If there are no limits on freedom of speech people we say whatever they want and it may turn into violence so freedom of speech could be helpful and hurtful. So, in this essay I am going to talk about the advantages and disadvantages of freedom of speech and why do we need limits on freedom of speech.

The advantages of freedom of speech are that it will give the ability to express our opinions and speak freely is essential to bring about change in society. Free speech is not only about your ability to speak, but the ability to listen to others and allow other views to be heard. For Example: If I want to express my opinion I can express it without any fear, but I have to listen to others who are expressing their opinion whether they are against me or not.

The disadvantages of freedom of speech are that people will be offensive and they will say a bad thing about other people For example Westboro Baptist Church is an American well-known church for its use of inflammatory hate speech, especially against Catholics, Orthodox Christians, atheists, Muslims, Jews, Romani people, and U.S. soldiers and politicians. They are offensive to people. They say a bad thing about people, but we can’t do anything because the 1st Amendment gave them the right to speak. So, if you think of this side freedom of speech is hurtful.

“Some people’s idea of free speech is that they are free to say what they like, but if anyone says anything back, that is an outrage.” - Winston Churchill

I will say that if freedom of speech is helpful and hurtful it depends on how we are using it if we use it properly then it is helpful and if you try to take over advantage of it then it is hurtful. So, we don’t have to wait until someone takes advantage of it, so it is better if we have limits on freedom of speech. 

“Words are free. It’s how you use them, that may cost you.” - Unknown