Viewpoints 4/23

DUE MONDAY 4/23 Viewpoints
Read the handouts, chapters 1 and 2 (i.e. "Viewpoints 1 and 2").

Assume that our next debate will have the resolution, "There should be limits to free speech."

1. For chapter 1, write three things based on the reading that supports the above resolution. This is the "pro" argument.

America is falling apart because of peoples' need to express themselves so much. People violate the limitations of what is protected by the government (what they will back you up on). On top of all this, the youth of our nation finds ways to access to things that corrupt them at a very young age. (for example; myspace, blogs, and the music kids listen to these days can be VERY conturversal and/or racist/homophobic/sexist as well as simply rebeling)

2. For chapter 2, write three things based on the reading that goes against the above resolution. This is the "con" argument.

Without the ability to say what we want, so many ideas and opinions would never get out to the world, and even if they did, chances are they would be either shot down, or not paied attention to. America is rebellious, if you give them strict rules; they are bound to break them. It took the founding people of our country a long time to develop the rights in which American Citizens have and those rights should stay in effect, the Ammendments.

3. Write a paragraph where you state your opinion on the issue. It should include some evidence from the reading, but it does not have to follow each viewpoint to the letter. You can also include ideas and evidence from other sources or individuals.

I think that many people, especially the younger generations, take advantage of their rights. They feel that they can say whatever they want, and if anyone tries to stop them, they can argue that they have "freedom of speech." I think there should be a certain point in which Citizens can be punished for over stepping the boundaries. But I think the real question is; where do the boundaries end? Of corse, when the words you say results in voilence, but what if it just promotes hatred? Free speech mixing with American citizens is never going to be settled, in my opinion at least.