What is the Difference

[Introverted1293]

What is the difference between freedom of speech and harassment? I mean, say that you are walking down the street and someone starts screaming at the top of their lungs at you calling you all kinds of names, how is that freedom of speech?

 

[Southernscotty]

What is the difference between freedom of speech and harassment? I mean, say that you are walking down the street and someone starts screaming at the top of their lungs at you calling you all kinds of names, how is that freedom of speech?

I don't know when it crosses the line for sure, But would say if it isn't physical then I would shrug it off and go on. If it becomes physical and they lay hands on you, Then defend yourself with whatever means necessary. I give everyone the liberty they desire to a point, Meaning they can yell and flail their arms whichever way they want and however long they desire, But when it comes to my nose their liberty ends.
:]

 

[EastCoastRemnant]

What is the difference between freedom of speech and harassment? I mean, say that you are walking down the street and someone starts screaming at the top of their lungs at you calling you all kinds of names, how is that freedom of speech?

It only goes beyond freedom of speech when the speech calls for violence against another... that is hate speech. Unfortunately a lot of people get triggered and offended when someone says something to them that they don't like. There is no law against being offended.

 

[dreadnought]

What is the difference between freedom of speech and harassment? I mean, say that you are walking down the street and someone starts screaming at the top of their lungs at you calling you all kinds of names, how is that freedom of speech?

I can see it both ways. If you and I get into a heated argument, I could can claim you are harassing me. If a person isn't following me around, I might just ignore him.

 

[thecolorsblend]

What is the difference between freedom of speech and harassment? I mean, say that you are walking down the street and someone starts screaming at the top of their lungs at you calling you all kinds of names, how is that freedom of speech?

Assuming you live in America, that might not be free speech. Depending on laws in your local area, that could very well be aggravated battery. Other laws may apply as well, my friend. If you're being harassed by somebody, it might be worth it to consult an attorney and find out what the contours of the law are.

 

[jayem]

I'd think it depends on local ordinances. In my municipality, shouting and screaming in public is disturbing the peace. Which could result in a citation. And if threats are made, that could be considered an assault.

 

[Ken-1122]

What is the difference between freedom of speech and harassment? I mean, say that you are walking down the street and someone starts screaming at the top of their lungs at you calling you all kinds of names, how is that freedom of speech?

If you are walking down the street, and you choose to stop and listen to the person shout, that might be freedom of speech. If you continue walking and he follows you shouting, that’s harassment. But depending on the city, freedom of speech usually involves getting a permit to set up such a demonstration, otherwise you might get cited for disturbing the peace. But then other cities will allow you to stand on a street corner and voice your views without a permit

 

[OldWiseGuy]

Just flip the person off (it's covered by the 1st Amendment) and keep walking.

 

[R. Hartono]

People are given freedom by God of what to say with their mouth, God will judge the unrepentant.

 

[dreadnought]

Just flip the person off (it's covered by the 1st Amendment) and keep walking.

Doesn't that make you as bad as them? What's wrong with ignoring them?

 

[Celia96]

Freedom of speech means you can speak about controversial subjects, speak badly of government officials, etc and you won't be thrown in jail etc. It doesn't mean a random person has to listen, or your company can't fire you for something you said, or that someone won't punch you in the face.

 

[faroukfarouk]

Weaselly politicians would just looooove to set up a Commissar for Truth, to busybody everyone in case someone is offended...

 

[Strathos]

Freedom of speech means you can speak about controversial subjects, speak badly of government officials, etc and you won't be thrown in jail etc. It doesn't mean a random person has to listen, or your company can't fire you for something you said, or that someone won't punch you in the face.

Legally there is a line drawn when it comes to direct incitement to violence.

For example, 'I hate X person' is covered under free speech, but 'You should go and kill X person' isn't.

 

[AnotherAtheist]

What is the difference between freedom of speech and harassment? I mean, say that you are walking down the street and someone starts screaming at the top of their lungs at you calling you all kinds of names, how is that freedom of speech?

Freedom of speech is where you are allowed to say things that don't infringe the rights of others. Harassment is one example of speech that infringes the rights of others.