Should A Hated Word Be Banned?

Upfront’s article, “Should a Hated Word Be Banned?” is about a proposal in Israel’s Parliament to make it illegal to say the word ‘Nazi’ in casual conversation. Supporters of this law want it to be passed because they consider it disturbing and disrespectful to the history involved with this word. Many teens use it regularly when describing someone strict or hash. Some people think it shouldn't be passed because it infringes on the right to free speech.in my opinion, it shouldn't be passed because everyone should always have a right to say anything no matter who it might offend.

This law should not be passed. For one thing, denying the right of the people to say a word is only one step away from denying the peoples’ right to talk openly about controversial ideas. People need to have the right to express all their ideas or opinions openly and publicly. If this right is taken away the government gains more control over the people. If the government makes it against the law to speak out peacefully against the government, they can then get away with doing things people should be speaking out against or simply expressing their opinions on. This is why free speech is necessary and why and why any infringement upon this right is extremely dangerous.

On the other hand, using the word ‘Nazi’ as it is used today in regular conversation can be considered excessive and inappropriate. The Holocaust was undisputedly a horrific event in our history. Using words relating to it so casually is offensive to some people. However, the safety of our rights is more important than whether or not someone is made uncomfortable by the use of a certain word. Amir Fuchs said, “You measure the freedom of speech in a democratic country in the freedom to say these disturbing and annoying things, not in what is nice and pleasant to hear.

In conclusion, this law should not be passed just because people are offended by a certain word. it is an infringement on the peoples’ right to speak freely. Without the right to protest against the government, the people have hardly any power without taking illegal action. In the past, death and struggle have followed countries with the right to free speech.