Freedom of Speech in Every Case

Talia Shifron
To You editor, Fused

Last spring, the Ku Klux Klan was distributing hate literature in certain parts of Bloomington and threatening to come have a demonstration. This raised a big controversy and many people didn't want them to come because they didn't want the Klan to spread their message of hate in Bloomington. Those who were against the Klan coming to Bloomington felt that one of the Klan's primary purposes was to incite people to anger, and build hatred in the community. People also felt that since the Klan's message is a destructive one, they shouldn't be allowed to demonstrate.

However, there is another side to this controversy in that the first amendment guarantees everyone freedom of speech even if their ideas are unpopular. The Ku Klux Klan wanted to come to Bloomington in order to get attention and create trouble. But, by people giving the Klan so much focus and attention, it helped the Klan to fulfill their goals. While the Klan had every right to come and express their beliefs, there are effective methods to prevent them from gaining exposure.

Groups like the Klan are just seeking attention. While they have the right to demonstrate, the community should exercise good judgement and not attend their gatherings. If everyone ignores them and perhaps plans and attends alternative programming that promote diversity, the Klan would not gain the recognition that they are aiming for, and eventually quit coming. The first amendment guarantees freedom of speech but every person has the responsibility to evaluate what speech they decide to listen to and how they are going to react to it.