Essay on Racism Speech by Charles R. Lawrence - 643 Words

Racism Speech by Charles R. Lawrence In the following essay, Charles R. Lawrence encompasses a number of reasons that racist speech should not be protected by the First Amendment. In this document, he exhibits his views on the subject and what he feels the society should confront these problems. In this well- written article, he provides strong evidence to prove his point and to allow the reader to see all aspects of the issue. On Racist Speech Charles Lawrence has been active in his use of the First Amendment rights since he was a young boy. When confronted with the issue of racist speech, he feels that it needs to be diminished by society as a unit, because this discrimination does not just effect one person, but society†¦show more content†¦Lastly, Lawrence questions why it is that all civil rights activists are so quick to challenge the weak efforts that are trying to be made by universities to protect the students. The case of Brown Vs the Board of Education is, in a roundabout way, a case of racial speech. By not allowing mixed schools, a message is being conveyed that segregation is all right. This is a prime example of how this hate can cause real psychological problems and how a student can be so tormented by racist speech that he is deprived from gaining a full education. Although university officials have tried to eliminate racial harassment, their efforts have proven to be futile except in incidences of personal confrontation. Only words that arouse anger and result in violence are not protected by the First Amendment. Although the First Amendment states that we should award the greatest amount of speech, racial speech is not deserving of this award because these words are meant to do nothing but harm another individual. The only time that speech may be regulated is when the victim is unable to get away from the racism such as in the home or in college bathrooms and common rooms. Lawrence feels that it is the responsibility of the university to protect the student to the fullest extent, and it is the right of the student to be able to walk around campus without being harassed. Although universities have attempted to make rules that ban the use of words as weapons to intentionallyShow MoreRelatedSticks and Stones1145 Words   |  5 PagesFreedom of Speech is possibly the most respected American ideal. Envied by citizens of countries where self-expression is a right of some and stricken from others, we uphold this concept with defensive pride. However, we must ask ourselves if this freedom can e ver go too far. When does lenience turn into naivety? If speech is abused so freely that it enslaves the minds of another should it become a privilege, rather than a right? In his essay â€Å"On Racist Speech†, Charles R. Lawrence III argues forRead MoreIs Word Policing Ruining College?1275 Words   |  6 Pageswith the issue of free speech on college campuses. This topic has been a hot button issue throughout recent years. Numerous institutions have become more politically correct in an effort to make their students feel safer on campus. Many people, however, claim that â€Å"word policing†, or telling students that they are not allowed to use certain vocabulary, is a violation of their right to free speech. In the articles â€Å"The Betrayal of Liberty on America’s Campuses† by Alan Charles Kors and â€Å"’Nigger’: TheRead MoreArticle Review : On Racist Speech, By Charles R. Lawrence1639 Words   |  7 PagesThe three essays, â€Å"On Racist Speech,† â€Å"Protecting Freedom of Expression on the Campus,† and â€Å"Thinking Further about Facebook† serve the purpose to outline various incidents in which regulation of the First Amendment. In the first two essays we see regulation as a safeguard to protect against racial discrimination and in the final essay cyberbullying is brought up as a downfall arising from lack of regulation. 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