Should saying negative things about Christians and Muslims be considered hate speech?

[Anonymous]

I'm pretty sure saying bad things about Jews is hate speech. What about Christians and Muslims?

Yes, that is hate speech.

No, not really.

See results

[WhiteSteve]

As a general rule, yes, but I think context matters. It’s tough to always define, but there’s definitely kind of a “know it when you hear it” thing to it, like I usually know what’s being done in bad faith. People really try to get away with living in the gray area of “you can’t prove that that’s what I meant!”, which is painfully juvenile for adults to be engaging in.

I guess what my position is on Jews vs Christians and Muslims is that it’s a little different, in that, in my estimation, Jews aren’t imposing principles of Judaism on me, or people in whatever area. I see Muslims (certainly not everyone, I’m just talking about the “oh shit” examples that get highlighted) giving their women shit about hijabs, etc, THAT’S giving other people shit. Christians here in America (also, not all, just the highlighted ones) can be very pushy about their views being cemented into laws for everyone, and a few politicians are just starting to say the quiet part out loud and are trying to declare America to be a specifically Christian (and Caucasian, depending on who you ask) nation, with laws based on their own beliefs. The Jews…. all I know of are just conspiracy theories based in antisemitism. I don’t see them demanding we ban this or that because the Torah said so. THAT’S the kind of shit I care about. You have a problem with homosexuality because you’re Christian or Muslim…. I mean, I don’t give a shit, I’ll just think you’re at best, an idiot, and at worst, ignorant and hateful, and not to mention a busybody. But I don’t want those to be the people broadly making laws that affect everyone. I have gay people in my life who I’m very close with. I want to see them happy, able to pursue relationships with any other consenting adult who they want. I want that for complete strangers too. What I DON’T want is some hayseed Bible thumper from a flyover state who thinks The Olive Garden is “fine dining” making or influencing decisions on how people can live. If you’re not gay, don’t go sitting ass-first on other dudes’ dicks, it’s really that simple. Anything else going on simply isn’t your business to concern yourself with. Be as pious of a Christian as you please, I’ll never throw eggs at your church, just don’t walk out of the church like “OK, now the mission is to take this to the streets and make EVERYONE live like this!” You do you, I’ll do me, they’ll do them. Leave it there. Period, end of story, thanks for coming, last one out please hit the lights.

[Asker]

"Christians and Muslims are dumb and stupid." Do you hear hate speech there?

[WhiteSteve]

Well, there we go, that’s the context stuff I’m talking about. That’s a broad and vague assertion, plus oversimplifying objections down to “they’re dumb and stupid” is a telltale sign of a “bad faith” statement. That sounds like a statement meant to denigrate a large group of people, as opposed to more intellectually proposing an objection and having a lm intelligent discussion about the matter. It’s really about whether or not you’re intellectually lazy. Broad, vague statements are lazy thought. Carefully analyzing and debating pros and cons is better, and I have much more confidence that a person is coming from a place of good faith, where the ultimate goal is to come up with reasonable and feasible solutions, not to justify your own ignorance.

[ZXCwWRQWz]

I don't think so but not very diplomatic. But especially Muslims are slimy in politics. I'm not talking about all Muslims. I'm talking about those who participate in politics They're the most sniveling and complaining types eager to ass-kiss anyone who sides with them. Narcissistic assholes!

[purplepoppy]

Saying negative things isn't hate speech, I criticise religious people all the time. It becomes hate speech when there's a clear intention to promote harm or to harass people.

[DaisyM23]

I think it depends. If you're criticizing based on intellectual debate or hypocrisies in their beliefs than sure but not to reinforce stereotypes or spread hate

[lightbulb27]

yes. the problem is historical context. If it's been done before and thus has reference point, in peoples hearts and minds, then yes. If it's just saying crap... it could be. in general, people need to feel safe where they are in public areas.

that has to be balanced with freedom of speech. people will get angry about stuff and ultimately, it rolls up to power.

[slatyb]

About the people, or about their ridiculous beliefs?

[Asker]

Everyone has beliefs that are considered ridiculous by some people.

[trina_x]

yes both are hate speech, a lot of people dont care about hate speech towards christians because theyre the conventional

[misogynistic_pig]

Yes, unless the United States wants the World Trade Center torn down again.

[Asker]

haha I'm not sure the fact that people say bad things about you is a reason to kill them.

[Hispanic-Cool-Guy]

No. Once you try to legislate speech you can start to kiss your freedom of speech gone and I mean gone for real because literally your every word will be micromanaged.

It's a dangerous road to go on.

[strateguy632]

no but equal did censor to protect islam must same for attacks on christian.

[LiamJHayden]

Nope. Hate speech is a BS term used by totalitarians in an attempt to marginalize certain opinions by trying to equate those opinions with actual calls for violence.

[Agape93]

Nope. There's a difference between hate speech and speech you hate

[Rockstarrrrr]

No, Christians and Muslims crap on every other belief all the time.. they should get some of it too...

[KostasKouvalis]

What kind of negative things? If it's something they practice in their culture, NO. If it's threatening violence, sure