Freedom of Speech: Even for KKK and Black Lives Matter

Freedom of speech is one of the basic rights we claim to possess in the United States. If it exists, it needs to apply to white supremacist groups like the Ku Klux Klan and to groups for African-Americans like Black Lives Matter.

Two Different Speeches

Some years ago, in Lexington, Kentucky where I live, I heard the Reverend Jesse Jackson speak on the campus of Transylvania University. I considered some of his speech propaganda, but I felt he made some excellent points, too.

On another occasion, also some years ago here in Lexington, Kentucky, I heard a speaker from a white supremacist group speak outside the old courthouse. I considered some of his speech propaganda, but I felt he made some excellent points, too.

Two speakers with far different viewpoints, but both spoke some words worth listening to, as I saw it. Both speeches were delivered peacefully, too.

Saturday, April 29, 2017 in Pikeville, Kentucky

The main reason I wrote this article at this time is that on Saturday, April 29, 2017, in Pikeville, Kentucky a group called the National Socialist Movement was scheduled to assemble at the Pike County Courthouse Plaza according to a public notice from the city of Pikeville. The notice stated that other organizations and counterprotesters were expected.

A Kentucky.com article written after the event, as well as other news articles, discussed how the event went. Based on the news reports, it seemed to proceed reasonably peacefully, thanks to preparations that included the presence of many law enforcement personnel. I was in Lexington and did not attend the event, so my opinion is based on these news reports.

Listening With an Open Mind, Memorable Quote

Ideally, we would all seek to listen with an open mind to everyone, seek to understand each individual’s point of view, and seek a fair solution to all conflicts without resorting to arguments and violence. We may not reach this ideal anytime soon, but I think we can come much closer to it.

Let’s seek to preserve freedom of speech. Better yet, let’s seek to use this freedom wisely to learn from one another and to make this wonderful nation better.

Too often, speakers use hyperbole (which I consider a fancy word for lying) or bald-faced lies in sensationalistic speeches, seeking to attract an audience and media attention. As I see it, popular media personalities such as Rush Limbaugh (conservative) and Rachel Maddow (liberal) are guilty of this. Their audiences consists largely of their fervent supporters, in my opinion.

Limbaugh and Maddow both make some good points. But I can only listen to them in small doses. I prefer a different approach.

I prefer hearing the truth, the facts, presented in a caring, compassionate way. As one who enjoys attending seminars, lectures, and discussions that offer various viewpoints, I’ve enjoyed hearing many persons speak over the years. But, perhaps the most memorable speech for me is one from my childhood that I did not hear in person. Below I quote a marvelous passage from the speech.

 “. . . .I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood. . . . I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream. . . ."

Those memorable words from the Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr.’s, August 28, 1963 speech in Washington, D.C. are often quoted today. He accomplished a great deal during his lifetime. And he did it through nonviolent protests.

I remember as a child seeing on television his peaceful protesters being attacked and not resisting, wondering why this occurred. As millions of persons watched those scenes, questions were raised, and changes followed. Gradually maybe. Not always for the best. But many positive changes came.

And if we judge not on the basis of skin color, etc., maybe both affirmative action and discrimination can end, at least as they are often practiced today.  

Current Groups and Affirmative Action Programs

Currently, groups focused on African-American rights (like Black Lives Matter) and white supremacist groups (like the Ku Klux Klan) continue to seek what they call fairness. Both types of groups can partially justify their complaints.

Hard-working, honest African-Americans stereotyped and targeted for the color of their skin deserve their complaints to be addressed in some way. Hard-working, honest Caucasians denied jobs or school admissions due to affirmative action programs that admit arguably less qualified minority candidates also deserve to have their complaints addressed in some way.

Furthermore, historically, some affirmative action programs at companies sought to satisfy requirements to hire more African-Americans and more women by hiring African-American females. This arguably made it even harder for African-American males to find jobs. Therefore, African-American males may have an even more legitimate gripe about some affirmative action programs than whites do.

Closing Thoughts
We need more love for others.

My article oversimplifies the complexities of this situation. But I hope that I at least convinced readers to try to listen to and consider the views of those who look differently than they do. I think that one thing (there are others) that separates the United States from countries mired in civil wars is the fact that our nation allows more freedoms, including freedom of speech and freedom of religion. 

Let’s seek to listen and learn. Let’s seek to make ourselves, our nation, and our world better.

NOTE: This piece was last revised on April 30, 2017.