Hate speech, even in its crudest forms, is relative to those speaking of and listening to "the hate."  The first web-site I ever made was called "The Year of Hate."  It spawned off of two of my friends who had their house broken into.  Once they discovered thousands of dollars of stereo equipment, computers, and jewelry had been stolen, they declared 2003 the year of hate.  My site focused on this horrible crime, as well as pop icons like Celine Dion, Carrot Top, and J-Lo.  Do I really hate this people?  Do I really wish harm upon them?  No, not really.  But I am annoyed.  Through this, my own issues spewed onto the internet with violent sounding undertones directed at these obnoxious stars.  All, of course, in a comedic way.

What does this have to do with hate speech on the internet?  Everything.  Sure, I may have offended a bunch of pre-pubescent Carrot Top fans with my death wishes, but it's my cyber world right to speak hateful thoughts about these annoying pop stars.  Just as it is the right for a Nazi to preach hatred towards whoever they hate these days.  Or Al Quada to hate on America and religious cults to hate those who go about there lives normally.  After all, this is America, damn it. 

As a culture have we not progressed enough for everyone to understand this?  Obviously, if someone is organizing a crime through internet, that should be stopped.  That would be classified as "harm speech."

Hate speech, in whatever form, is an ideology by whatever bum has committed themselves to a belief.  A motivated bum, who not only hates, but wants to spread the word.  Disagree with this word if it puts you at ease, but I say it should be commended that he or she has passion in dealing with a certain subject.  Enough passion to create a website, create a thread, or contribute to a pre-existing message board thread. 

As insane of an idea as it is to "control" hate speech on the internet, it is more ridiculous to think of how these people would be prosecuted.  Would it be the people that host a web-site?  Would it be the people that run a web-site?  Would it be those anonymous people who post on the forums?  Can you hold someone liable for an opinion a visitor of their web-site has?  The answer to these questions are no, no, no, and of course not, you big dummy.

I feel explaining these concepts is like explaining why the earth is round, why two plus two is four, or why white people can't dance.  It is not an opinion, it is the truth, and should not be questioned.  And if it is questioned than you should walk away from the questioner, at the risk of losing brain cells just by standing close to this ignorant fool.

I hope one day we as a student body can one day move past these inane moralistic ideals that have no right answer.  That one day people can educate themselves, be comfortable with their beliefs and not worry about what is being said on cyberspace.  I hope that those who are passionate about something, whether it be righteous or misguided, feel comfortable in expressing themselves.  And finally, I hope a meteor crashes down on J-Lo, popping her like an irritated pimple, and voiding us of ever hearing her songs again.  Why would I say such a horrible thing?  Because I can!

Editors Note: This is a previously unpublished work. I still stand by my words.

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