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Freedom of Speech - College Term Papers

Freedom of Speech

A memory plays over and over in my mind whenever freedom of speech is challenged. It was just a simple shopping trip with my seven year old son Dominic and our cousin Joey who has Down Syndrome. While walking through the mall we noticed a group of teenage boys quickly approaching us. I thought this was strange but tried to ignore them but could not because as they approached their voices became louder. Then it was clear to me what they were doing. They were pointing and laughing at Joey and calling him a “retard” again and again. Joey thought nothing of the comments and continued with telling us his story about how he thought Buddy Holly was a better singer than Jerry Lee Lewis. Dominic ...

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have the right to express themselves.
Not only is using the word “retard” morally and ethically wrong it is also politically incorrect, but again not illegal. Fifteen years ago one could use the word “retard” to mean silly, dumb, or stupid and no one would have thought it was wrong. If that same word was used today in the context of dumb or stupid, you are thought of as inconsiderate and given a look of disgust. People want this word banished from our vocabulary.
Lawrence would say “retard” is “racially assaulting speech” or “vilifying speech” which may be true, but used in the right context is it socially expectable (63). For example, medically speaking you may say a child is mentally retarded or retarded. In this context the word is acceptable. Lawrence feels minorities should not have to endure such words and hatred and should be able to walk in a public place and not hear this language (63). I can agree to an extent, but what about words like “gay”. If a homosexual uses ...

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Freedom of Speech. (2011, March 14). Retrieved May 15, 2025, from http://www.essayworld.com/essays/Freedom-of-Speech/96021

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PAPER DETAILS

Added: 3/14/2011 10:41:30 AM
Submitted By: jenib1997
Category: English
Type: Premium Paper
Words: 872
Pages: 4

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