In a time of uncertain political, socioeconomic and widespread inequality, it is more than vital to protect our free speech. With that being said it is just as important to not only differentiate hate speech from this facet, but to hold those who conjure their hate under the guise of free speech accountable for their improper actions.

Hate speech has made a virulent return in the newer digital age, now making it easier than ever to demonize and marginalize groups often without consequence. The fallout of this invisible world being a platform to foster hate has descended into the political world, leading to mainstream hate speech reaching the forefront of political issues.

Topics such as immigration, socioeconomic aid and equal rights are now rarely met without hate, leading to a division amongst the people that now seems all but irreparable. Viewpoints that conjure a hierarchical society should not be seen merely as opposing beliefs, especially when the veracity of these divisive claims exist without merit.

This widespread epidemic of those believing social inequality to be justifiable has not only been continually normalized, it has begun to be accepted by a mass amount of those who consider themselves to be politically neutral. A core belief in an equal society is that this neutrality is far from a true neutral, as its bystanding nature only lets the oppressor strengthen.

The lack of clarity from all levels of education along with prominent media, political and social figures has led to a regressive society in the United States.

This undoing of a more balanced social structure has divided workplaces, families and many other communities to a point in which has not been seen in this nation since the equal rights movements in the 1960s as well as the War on Vietnam.  The powers that be in this country have made it abundantly clear to those who would attempt to enact unity that they will not only be absent in this effort, but will be a catalyst in fighting these intentions. The talking points and true motives of our current federal government, mainstream media and the corporations that are all but separate from the other two actors are the largest threats to unity amongst the masses.

One of the only remaining ways to truly stand up to this divisiveness is not to ostracize opposing views, but to ensure accountability that it is not a belief beyond reason. To those who may still inherit these beliefs following proper education can not be viewed as just oppositional thinkers, as this school of thought throughout history has led to racism, sexism, classicism and xenophobia which leads to a common belief that the persecution is justified for baseless reasons.

Any belief, thought or argument that one’s existence is lesser than others will never be free speech, no matter how hard the hateful nature of some will attempt to make it. The right to speak freely in this nation does not include the freedom to spew hatred in any sort, despite this many organizations and people revert the fine line of what is and is not hate.

These collective efforts lead to people who in every aspect disagree with certain motives defending these malevolent views under the claim of needing to protect freedom of speech. These actions not only halter the progress that so many have fought to immense lengths to achieve, it will undo much of it as well in a far more expedited manner.