...neither more nor less.""The question is," said Alice, "whether you can make words mean so many different things.""The question is," said Humpty Dumpty, "which is to be master -- that’s all." This passage from Alice in Wonderland is frequently cited. The reason is that the conversation between Alice and Humpty Dumpty summarizes neatly the argument advanced by many writers that language is a form of power that enables us to control other people. What do you think? Is Humpty Dumpty right in claiming that the master is the one who gets to decide what words will mean? Most Europeans agree that laws limiting freedom to prevent hate speech should be put in place. However, in the United States, anyone has the right to expression, even if it is constituted as a hate speech and also everyone has the right to express that opinion in public. Prohibiting hate speech and discriminatory opinions is unconstitutional in the US. As a result, racists have the right to express their opinion publicly but not to incite violence. Discuss in light of the conceptions of freedom. Cypher, a character from the Matrix, decides to betray his companions who seek to free human kind from the Matrix. He strikes a deal in order to get re-inserted into the Matrix, remembering nothing but the Matrix and believing the Matrix is the only truth. He asserts that: “Ignorance is bliss”. Do you also think it is better to live a life of enjoyment not spoiled by the knowledge? Sartre, an atheist philosopher, believed...
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...Free speech in America officially began on December 15, 1791, the day the First Amendment was ratified. Our founding fathers were a group of very smart men and women of all races, religions, and gender identities. And they understood that, hundreds of years later, the Constitutional principles of 1791 would remain unchanged. Our most important freedom, is the right to express one’s beliefs. As a teenager we hear about the crazy conservative religious fanatics trying to ban books from public libraries and trying to ban songs from being played on the radio. But that has changed. Today, crazy conservative religious fanatics are busy battling it out in Republican presidential debates. Meanwhile, it’s the liberal left at the forefront of stopping...
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...Name Instructor: Course Date: Pros and Cons of Freedom of Speech The freedom of speech is a political right of every human being to communicate their own ideas or opinions, using their body, or property to any other person who is ready and willing to receive them. This right is also synonymously used with the freedom of expression. Under the freedom of rights, the right to seek or receive information or impart any information regardless of medium of transformation is limited. This right as with any other has come certain limitations that and limitations to actions such obscenity, slander, libel, incitement to rebellion, violating copyrights and revealing any information that may be classified otherwise. The freedom of rights is recognized as a basic human right (Powers, 2). There are several advantages of freedom of speech. Top of the list is that we can say anything that we like regardless of the consciousness of the issue without fear of punishment or reprisal. This means that we can be able to speak up against any act of oppression that we may observe. This allows Amy people to speak up if they feel that any of their basic rights is being infringed. This right has led to their rise of philosophy and also political theory. Thanks to the freedom of speech people have been able to promote ideas such and capitalism, socialism, democracy and animal rights (Barendt, 89). The freedom speech has been beneficial in the area of constitutional and governance. People in different...
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...John Stuart Mill: On Liberty Name: Sedig Elhassan Student Number: 210916914 Professor: Marc Weinstein Teacher’s Assistant: Paul amazzoc Course Code: HREQ 1720 John Stuart Mill was known as a political economist, British philosopher and influential contributor to social and political theory. J.S. Mill was famous for his writing on individual liberty and utilitarianism (). He believed individual liberty is essential in evolving society as well as unleashing the truth (). Mills ideas stretched to governing every aspect of human liberty promoting change, innovation, and the development of societies. His greatest concern was that human beings will form into a “collective norm” where human innovation would not exist; thus, Mill created unique conditions in which his concepts of individual liberty may flourish. Although his notions became problematic he was still able to clarify the benefits that came with individual liberty. J.S. Mill clearly illustrated the significance of individual liberty, while interlinking the cultural effects on individual liberty. Mainly, J.S. Mill emphasis the abolishment of tyranny whether politically or socially while promoting a simplistic yet effective view on societal growth and individual liberty. Mill created a view that attempt to create utilitarianism in a society that seemed too governed by limited scope. John Stuart Mill solidified the concept on individual liberty by developing the harm principle which argued that individuals should...
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...Nietzsche (On the Genealogy of Morality, First Treatise; Section 11 of Second Treatise): • True goodness is not just being altruistic • To find out real human goodness, Nietzsche goes back to study history and the study of words-etymology • In the words and roots that designate good, the nobles felt themselves to be humans of a higher rank. Call themselves the truthful.esthlos means the one who is, who possesses reality, who is true. Becomes the catchword of the aristocratic and feel like it distinguishes them from the common “lying” man. • *Origin of morality is power* • Justice is a product of power. It puts order in place/creates laws/preserves power so it continues. There isn’t universal justice. • Life is understood as the desire for power. • Nietzsche believes there have been two types of moralities: o The first morality- aristocratic morality-moral reality The “good” are the few. They possess reality. They have power, strength, victory, self-affirming, freedom, possessors of truth, active. They have a healthier expression of life. More beautiful. They look down upon and despise the “bad” The noble human beings live with himself in confidence and openness The “bad” are the many. They are lower in class, weak, simple, restricted, lacking, degenerate, oppressed, plotting, hating, lying, and passive. They will eventually gain power which leads to Nietzsche’s slave morality. The priests are the leaders of this “bad” slave morality. Priests are the most powerless...
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...Written in 1796, but never given orally, George Washington’s Farewell Address was a clear end to his two terms as President. In the speech, Washington’s main point is how the newly formed United States can achieve unity that would ensure a strong government. The areas identified by Washington include citizens working together, a no political party system and remaining neutral when dealing with foreign nations. Washington believed that when citizens pull together they achieve more. Probably best evidenced in how he selected people to fill positions in his administration. Rather than choosing his friends, Washington chose the most qualified individuals. Young statesmen such as Thomas Jefferson and Alexander Hamilton provided differing viewpoints eventually putting them at odds with each other and Washington. Yet, Washington was firm in his conviction that the differences in opinion can bring about consensus and compromise. He addressed this point...
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...TOPIC Discuss xenophobia in South Africa as a hate crime and its effects on the victims who experience the consequences thereof. Index 1. Introduction 1 2. Definitions 1 2.1 Definition of Hate Crime 2.2 Definition of Xenophobia 2 3. Hate Crime in South Africa 3 4. Xenophobia in South Africa 4 5. Effects on the Victims of Xenophobia 5 5.1 Individual Effects 5 5.2 Societal Effects 5 5.3 Secondary Victimisation 5 6. Conclusion 6 7. List of References/ Bibliography 7 1. Introduction South Africa has been praised for its peaceful and swift transformation to becoming an open society, founded on democratic values and a constitution that insures principles of human dignity, freedom, equality, and social justice. Regardless of policy and legislative guarantees for fundamental human rights, crime and violence are widespread. Incidents of hate speech, xenophobia and victimisation are on the rise, most recently being the outbreak of attacks against foreign nationals in informal settlements in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. South Africa has a long history of prejudice and discrimination. One of the main legacies of apartheid is that of intolerance towards „difference‟ - be it in terms of race, religion, nationality, ethnicity, sexual orientation or other causes. South Africa has to deal with the prejudice of the past or adopt new measures to address it. Because...
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...Hysterical murmurings reverberated through my hollow room, hollow eyes, hollow form. “Nonononononono..” I felt like I was decaying in sunlight, wilting in it’s glow. Maybe my freckles were somehow digging deeper into my skin, or maybe the room’s walls were searing off my make-believe flesh. I tugged frantically at my clothing, my precious cat cardigan, such an insignificant thing. I felt like I was pushing too much pressure into Earth’s floor. With standing a burden, my legs were weak and shivery, due to sensory overload. I disliked how my socked feet touched the floor, I disliked the way my movement disturbed the particles in the air around me, I disliked the way human speech sounded to my blank ears. My own voice was the enemy, and the noise...
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...In today’s world, one needs to be mindful of sources s/he gathers. Now, with modern technology, it is even easier to misstate or fabricate mistruths and therefore tip the scales of fairness. An example of that is seen in the quote below: "There is a huge gap between us (Jews) and our enemies, not just in ability but in morality, culture, sanctity of life, and conscience. They are our neighbors here, but it seems as if at a distance of a few hundred meters away, there are people who do not belong to our continent, to our world, but actually belong to a different galaxy."-The Jerusalem Post, May 10, 2001 This quote was allegedly made by former President Katsav of Israel, from an article writing about Hate Speech By Israel Against Palestine. And out of context, this speech seems biased and anti-Palestine. Furthermore, this passage coming from the President, would bring the reader to the conclusion that the Israel identifies herself to be self righteous and not willing to work with the Palestine for a solution. But upon further investigation Exposing False Zionist Quotes states, “Katsav was specifically...
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...creature shows who he truly is. Victor says “How can I describe my emotions...and straight black lips”(Shelley 43). The creation of the creature really shows how petty Victor is. He would rather leave the equivalent to a young child alone to fend for itself rather than take responsibility just because it is ugly. Victor’s attempts to cover up the creature's existence highlight his fear to fail. “Frankenstein fulfils the role of a unilateral creator who abandons his created {417} child, he simultaneously fulfils the role of someone trying, and failing,” (Bok 1). Even though Victors main goal is not to fail, he does constantly. The creature brings out Victor's failure time after time again. Victors strive for perfection blinds his sense of morality. He is unable to admit his failure and move on. The creature uncloaks Victor’s selfish personality. Victor could of prevented many deaths but due to his pride he is unable too. Victor states “On that night he had determined to consummate his crimes by my death”(Shelley 175). The creatures isolation and hatred for Victor leads Victor to believe that the creature is coming for him. Victor again blinded by arrogance does not realize that maybe other people are endangered. The creature then fools him and takes Elizabeth's life. The creature shows Victors ignorance...
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...Racism is devastating to a country and its culture. Racism causes tremendous moral, cultural, and economic suffering to a country. When the seeds of hatred and ethnocentrism are planted and fostered in society, it negatively affects every area of life. In a relevant example, white supremacy in America extends over centuries, and even the abolition of slavery could not end racism. Instead, it permeated throughout society in other ways in a racial caste system known as Jim Crow. More than a set of laws, it was a way of life that kept people of color from exercising their rights as full citizens. Jim Crow sent a message that whites were superior to other races, particularly the black race, in all ways, including behavior, intelligence, morality, and social status. The laws were so pervasive that they regulated every aspect of life, including socialization, sexual relations, marriage, housing education, entertainment, use of public facilities, and voting rights. Those that took a stand against white supremacy risked threats, intimidation, violence, and murder. Legalized racism from the federal government continued in the United States until the late 1960s; however, states continue to pass racially discriminatory laws. (See my Hub entitled "The Current Status of Black America.") Racism does not allow for a collective contribution of its citizens, which I believe to be a critical component of a country’s development and...
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...President Reagan’s use of rhetoric in his speeches throughout his political career was essential in establishing a cohesive and successful relationship with the American people. His charismatic nature and unfaltering authenticity in every single speech defined him as a true leader – one who might finally be able to restore faith in the American presidency in a country perpetually traumatized by the Watergate Scandal. Reagan brought indisputable political beliefs established on a solid sense of conservatism as well as a solid moral code built on firm religious values. These two features that Reagan exemplified laid the groundwork for an administration that was characterized by consistent and unyielding principles. The perfect example of this aspect of his administration is prevalent in his rhetoric. His small anecdotes, perfect word choice, and references to past great leaders all underscored his incredible ability to communicate the successes and lessen the defeats that faced his administration. Through his use of consistent and unique rhetoric from his first major speech in 1964 continued to his farewell speech in 1989, Ronald Reagan established motifs of freedom, limited government, moral renewal, and hope for the future that ultimately rescue American pride in the executive branch and in the country as a whole. In Ronald Reagan’s second inaugural address, which spans just over three pages, he used the word freedom 17 times. He took one of the most complex and hard to achieve...
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...• Sexual Perversion OR “Unnatural” Sexual Activity I.Introduction Sexual perversions are conditions in which sexual excitement or orgasm is associated with acts on imagery that are considered unusual with culture. In psychology, sexual perversion usually refers to the practice of sex that is beyond normally. Sexual perversion often as is as difficult to define pornography. Some people think that any sexual activity other than sexual intercourse between a man and a woman in the traditional “missionary” position described earlier is perverted or unnatural. Others feel that any type of regular sexual intercourse between a man and a woman, but nothing else, is all right, and still others allow that “anything goes” as long a pleasure is given. Although it refers to a variety of forms of deviation, it is most often used to describe sexual behaviors that are considered particularly abnormal, repulsive, and obsessive. Many recognizes perversion and deviant behavior as the same, however they differ in that the latter cover areas of behavior (such as petty crime) for which “perversion” can be misunderstood for that term. There were many that were considered; dilatory and in psychology literature, the term paraphilia has been used as replacement, though the term is “controversial”. The neutral term paraphilia, derived from Greek roots meaning “alongside of” and “love” is used to describe what used to be called sexual perversions. A paraphilia is...
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...to share what the Plastics are like for real with her other friends. Cady spied on the Plastics and shares with Janice and Damien every details she learn about them. Every story and every secret the Plastics would tell her, she shares them with her two friends and they would laugh about how low the Plastic could be. Along the way, she yielded to peer pressure when she decided to join the Math club despite everybody telling her that being a member of that team means social suicide. For her part, Cady did not care much about being accepted by the society because she preferred to be on the Math team despite the effect it may have on her status. Only through this, did she show her true colors because she admitted she loves Math when everybody hates the subject. Cady persisted with peer pressure as she continued tagging along with the Plastics until...
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...Courage and Moral Leadership Olivier Faye Dr. Mark Pantaleo PAD 515 Sunday, February 5, 2012 What comes to mind when you hear the word leader? Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, John F. Kennedy? According to Webster’s Dictionary, a leader is one who leads. As a leader, you can put ethical values into action and set the example you want followers to live by. You can resist pressures to act unethically just to avoid criticism or achieve short term gains. (Daft, page 167). Leadership is not merely a set of practice with no association with right or wrong. All leadership practice can be used for good or evil and thus have a moral dimension. Leaders choose whether to act form selfishness and greed to diminish others or to behave in ways that serve others and motivate people to expand their potential and as a human being. Moral leadership is about distinguishing right from wrong and doing right, seeking the just, the honest, the good and the right conduct to achieve goals and fulfilling purpose There are a select few individuals who have come variously to be called great or brilliant because they and their accomplishments have forever changed society and the world. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was on those individual. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., (January 15, 1929 - April 4, 1968) would have been 83 on Jan. 15, 2012. Unfortunately his birthday has been turned into a three-day weekend by being recognized as a federal holiday observed on the third Monday of January each year...
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