88. The issue at hand is whether each generation is blameworthy for the hateful words # s- P3 g# X5 O* g# S0 m
and actions o' some of its members, and for the failure of others to denounce those
" ^" K z" O, N: s0 M0 lhateful words and actions, in my view, it does not make clear sense to hold a vague
* W+ c; J5 i1 P) s0 vabstraction like a generation responsible for anything. Nevertheless, each person has a
3 F. l- w$ G5 n( r: K$ ~0 \duty to resist hateful words and actions, and to speak out against them.% b/ Z* Y K6 T0 ^8 E! ^1 e
Admittedly, up to a point we have no legal obligation to resist hateful words.
. v9 e- F5 Z% h) J4 B1 eGiven our First Amendament right of free speech, we are entitled to say whatever ?! F8 w; P. ~& x! R: L
hateful things we wish, as long as our words do not harass, slander, libel, incite to riot,
* P7 H% Q5 ~# Z4 G' [or otherwise cause significant harm. Even so, this legal entitlement does not absolve us , e$ ]$ V( r3 D0 Q* t% U2 y0 X
of deeper moral duties. For example, all persons are morally bound not to harm others,
3 @+ h. S6 l% J; g& c1 |' ~and to se helpful where it is important and within our capacity. The rhetoric of hate F; b. y3 q' r- x
violates both these duties by promoting attitudes and social climates in which those who
& `: w4 W6 g; N2 O, O1 fare hated are refused help and often harmed.
" f8 u6 W: m p Not so clear is the issue of whether we also have a moral duty to denounce the
N, E" c% O+ @" jhateful rhetoric and conduct of others. I believe we do, for silence is perceived as tacit
% u9 ]& \' w+ j/ {3 |8 O+ `approval or at least indifference. Seen this way, silence helps foster hateful attitudes and : E& O* L* t' l+ P7 b9 q
related harm. In other words, not speaking out is just another way to fail in our 3 r5 n5 e2 [% N3 q u: t
obligations to be helpful and not harmful. Moreover, as individuals we are able to speak
4 f$ F2 k0 E7 x2 |* E1 pcut against hateful words and actions, in a variety of ways. By teaching tolerance to our
z8 U8 O' m/ t* tchildren, for example, we can help them understand and appreciate differences among
( A3 u7 x4 m1 }$ y( g' m* q' W( |people, and therefore understand that hate-based responses to difference are simply
8 { ? u& h9 w7 H- a) R7 fwrong.* o3 j- z. A. l: {0 w1 z$ i
In sum, while it makes no sense to hold a generation responsible for anything as a
- B1 i! z0 o* J3 q% C2 T- B$ G( mgroup, I agree that every individual bears responsibility for speaking out against hateful 4 ] o+ Y5 N. u- n. \& {4 s8 `" `
words and behavior, as well as for resisting them.' |