09/11/2025
This is a strange post from me but one I felt compelled to put together in light of recent political events, followed by a debate I found myself in regarding the topic of "free speech," which I understand many are particularly passionate about right now.
It's baffling to me that, despite so many historical events in which words and rhetoric directly led to hate, violence, and genocide, there is now such a strong desire to reject the concept of "hate speech" and declare it "just free speech." Have we learned nothing about the power of words? How is it that so many people don't seem to care?
Where free speech may be a "right," don't we also have a responsibility to protect our fellow human and do what we can to NOT harm others? I have vowed to do this as part of my profession.
What do you think––should "first, do no harm with words" become a civic oath we all must pledge? What do you think this would this do for society and for the current political and cultural climate we all experience?
