The Cost of Silencing Hate Speech

Recently multiple online platforms have banned content they considered to be hate speech. Most of us quickly jump to the conclusion that this is a good action. Although some of us may not have thought of the consequences that result from limiting speech.

Anyone can categorize a set of words as hate speech. With this said, how can one distinguish someone stating their opinion and trying to get an injustice changed compared to a general hate crime. By limiting freedom of expression to protect a certain group can actually in turn end up hurting them. This is because if we limit all "hate speech" no one will be able to express their opinions and form change. If we ban hate speech there is a likelihood people would agree with it and support the cause more than they previously did. By losing all expressions of opposition we will lose the voices that should be heard the loudest.

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2018/08/09/opinion/if-we-silence-hate-speech-will-we-silence-resistance.html?rref=collection%2Ftimestopic%2FFreedom%20of%20Speech%20and%20Expression&action=click&contentCollection=timestopics&region=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=4&pgtype=collection