Q: Is freedom of speech necessary in a free society?

Gone are the times when civilians’ voices were silenced everywhere around the world. In

this

day and age,

freedom

of

speech

is becoming

the more prevalent

Suggestion

more prevalent

policy, at least in democratic countries. Many argue that free

speech

can lead to the downfall of the

public’s

Suggestion

public

decency, but I believe that, when done correctly, it is an absolute necessity. On one hand, it has been heavily debated that

freedom

of

speech

can be dangerous.

This

is an extremely understandable position, and one

that is

applicable to many countries.

Freedom

of

speech

can lead to racism, anti-Semitism and, eventually, segregation. For that reason, it should often be controlled. Respecting all religions and nationalities is the ethically correct ideology to have, and critiquing religion and different backgrounds (a form of free

speech

) frequently leads to dispute between individuals, and, in extreme cases, civil war between different parties in a nation.

On the other hand

, constructive criticism is the only way for civilization to move forward. Dictatorships that suppress the opinion of the common man can be problematic to the rulers themselves. It prevents any opportunity for people to support the people in power, and, after enough time has passed, it can lead to civilians rioting against these rulers.

That is

one of the main reasons that democracies

such

as the USA and the UK are thriving, while

third

-world countries face innumerable obstacles nowadays.

Furthermore

,

freedom

of

speech

allows many opinions to be heard;

therefore

, experience can be shared and mistakes of the past, stemming from the suppression of individuals’ voices, can be completely avoided. In conclusion, I think that differentiating between hate

speech

and free

speech

is the way to implement

freedom

of

speech

in the best way. Hate

speech

should be frowned upon, or even punished if gone too far, since it leads to nothing but hatred. Peaceful free

speech

,

however

, will be the key to a flourishing civilization.