If you believe in freedom of speech, you believe in freedom of speech for views you don't like. Goebbels was in favor of freedom of speech for views he liked. So was Stalin. If you're in favor of freedom of speech, that means you're in favor of freedom of speech precisely for views you despise.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Chomsky states that freedom of speech must protect unpopular or despised views; otherwise, it is not freedom of speech but merely a privilege for approved views.
- In plain terms
- Freedom of speech only works if you protect speech you hate, not just what you like.
- What can you take from it?
- True free speech protection applies most when views are unpopular.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Where is the line on protected speech?
- Do we truly tolerate views we despise?
Another view
This principle can clash with protections against hate speech or harm.
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