
Ep. 250: Civil rights, hate speech, and the First Amendment
So to Speak: The Free Speech Podcast
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The Evolution of Hate Speech Laws in America
This chapter examines the historical backdrop of hate speech laws in the United States, particularly from 1915 to the mid-20th century. It highlights the complex interplay between free speech and censorship, especially in the context of 'The Birth of a Nation' and the evolving stance of civil rights groups like the NAACP. The discussion reveals the tensions between social reform and individual liberties as the nation grappled with escalating racial tensions and the implications of hate speech on public discourse.
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