November 21, 2015

40% of Millennials approve of speech censorship

Pew Research - American Millennials are far more likely than older generations to say the government should be able to prevent people from saying offensive statements about minority groups, according to a new analysis of Pew Research Center survey data on free speech and media across the globe.

We asked whether people believe that citizens should be able to make public statements that are offensive to minority groups, or whether the government should be able to prevent people from saying these things. Four-in-ten Millennials say the government should be able to prevent people publicly making statements that are offensive to minority groups, while 58% said such speech is OK.

 
Progressive Review  - To believe this is to not to believe in the First Amendment and other free speech traditions in America. We have moving in this direction for some time but this is a striking example. And don't assume from the figures above that the GOP believes more in free speech than Millennials. This poll just applies to groups it doesn't like such as minorities.

One of the basic principles of America is the right to make a damn fool of yourself as long as you don't physically hurt somebody else. Change this and what is considered proper speech depends on whom is in power. 

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