Canada is a democratic country, and in the Canadian charter of rights and constitutions, it is stated that everyone has the right to express the fundamental freedoms under reasonable limits. In the Canadian charter everyone has the following fundamental freedoms: freedom of conscience and religion; freedom of thought, belief, opinion and expression, including freedom of the press and other media of communication; freedom of peaceful assembly; and freedom of association. I personally believe that the charter of rights is correct and there should be limits on freedom of speech.
First off, the general public is often very persuadable and passive. When people are passive they let others influence and make decisions for them. They are indecisive when it comes to making decisions and let others make decisions for them. When a negative power comes into place they are forced to go along with the decisions made. For example, in Nazi Germany, Hitler was ruler. He came into power by convincing the passive people of Germany that he would bring change to society. The Germans at this point were down because of the post war life and economic depression that plagued the country. They believed everything he said, and that was what lead to World War 2. Although, this is an extreme example, many smaller ones can be found in today’s society. A woman by the name of Ann Coulter is paid to give her opinion on various topics worldwide. Her opinion can be placed on the far right wing of the political spectrum. She is very racist, sexist and prejudice! She spews out hate at press conferences, in her books and at her lectures. She often holds speeches at large, well known universities. These universities are full of young adults who are impressionable and easily persuaded. By giving hate speeches she encourages the public to hate a specific race, gender or culture. Some people are persuaded by her and end up supporting her, and believing in what she says. People, who completely disagree with her, hold riots and protests to stop her from giving speeches.
Second, I believe people should be allowed to speak their minds but in some countries people aren’t even allowed to do practice this basic human right! In third world countries such as Afghanistan, Somalia and Iraq, citizens are not allowed to speak harshly of the government or religion or else they will be punished. In Afghanistan, a young journalist wrote an article questioning the authenticity of the Islamic prophet Mohammad. Upon reading this article many afghans were outraged at the idea of someone of their own ethnicity was questioning the countries ideology. The journalist was summoned by the government and executed. This is one example of why freedom of speech should not be limited; it helps give more insight and perspective on ideas. But, uncontrolled freedom of speech can also be used to harass people and create hate groups such as the KKK.
Accordingly, Canada is a developed country and has its own laws and sovereignty. It can choose how to limit freedom of speech and how to enforce its laws. Thanks in large, to these limits, Canada is a much safer country then America. There are much less hate crimes and people are quite often impartial to race or sex. If people were allowed to speak their minds, the younger generation would be influenced and persuaded by their elder counter parts to believe whatever they believe. For example, if a teacher believed that woman should just be kept as housewives and taught this to his students; he could be giving the male students the impression that males are superior and in control of woman. He may also convince the female students that they are not worthy of an education or opportunity. This type of situation is common in countries where citizens are allowed to say anything, at anytime.
On a slightly different note, if someone has a rude opinion they can change their dialect to sound more positive. For example, when you ask a friend how you look and they respond with “you look ugly, eww go shave your unibrow and stop wearing those pants, there ugly.” You are immediately hurt, and begin to attack back by telling them how ugly they are….This may even lead to physical violence. It would have been easier if the friend just said “ you look okay, those jeans aren’t my favorite, there are other pairs that can be more flattering.” In this case it is easier to respond and everyone is left happy.
In conclusion, freedom of speech is a great thing, a basic human right but I do believe there should be limits on what we are allowed to say. It is a right that can be revoked and taken away, and one that should be used in a positive way.
