Hate Speech: Definitions
(Malik Speaking)

 
 
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I'll go along with this definition, but I've got to be clear on one thing: Not all attacks or insults are the same because not all attacks or insults have the same consequences.

Someone may insult an Italian kid by calling him a "wop," but it doesn't have the same impact as calling a black kid "nigger." The history of Italians and blacks in America is different and as a result the consequences of this sort of language is different. It is crucial to see the actions of individuals in their historical context. Trying to formulate so-called neutral principles that ignore history is misleading. It gives the appearance of an equality that does not exist. By doing so, it may well support the hierarchies of power and privilege that have existed for so long.

Ultimately the different histories and consequences have to be taken into account - and that may mean that the rules or laws for dealing with this sort of thing have to recognize the difference and treat the cases differently.

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