What is the author’s position on Free Speech? 2. In the fourth paragraph Wizner states: “Was Rushdie’s freedom of expression, protected in America by the First Amendment, worth so high a cost? It’s

What is the author’s position on Free Speech?

2.  In the fourth paragraph Wizner states:  “Was Rushdie’s freedom of expression, protected in America by the First Amendment, worth so high a cost? It’s a question that arises all too frequently in a world full of people eager to offend. In Gainesville, Florida, an evangelical Christian pastor sets fire to a Koran. At funerals for U.S. soldiers killed in Iraq and Afghanistan, religious extremists picket with signs that say “God hates fags” and “Thank God for dead soldiers.” In Illinois, a neo-Nazi group announces its intention to march with swastikas through a neighborhood of elderly Holocaust survivors.”

Do you believe that these examples of a group or individual should be protected under the First Amdt?

Lawrence

1.  What is the author’s position on Free Speech?

2.  In his essay Lawrence states:  “When racist speech takes the form of face-to-face insults, catcalls, or other assaultive speech aimed at an individual or small group of persons, it falls directly within the “fighting words” exception to First Amendment protection. The Supreme Court has held that words which “by their very utterance inflict injury or tend to incite an immediate breach of the peace” are not protected by the First Amendment. ” Page 1 of 4 8/10

Do you agree with this?

–Using references from both Wizner and Lawrence construct a brief Comparison/Contrast essay.  You will only need 3 paragraphs for this:  1.  Discuss Wizner’s perspective.  2.  Discuss Lawrence’s perspective.  3.  Conclusion–who makes the better argument and why?  Make certain to quote from both to support your rendering of topi