Journal # 3

Freedom of Speech - Should there be limits to this constitutional guarantee?

In today’s society, many people believe that freedom of speech means that they can say anything and everything they want. These people are sadly mistaken. In Canada, the federal government has placed specific restrictions on this constitutional guarantee to limit hate speech, vulgarity and also public threats. In my opinion, the Canadian Government has made the right choice in choosing to activate these basic constraints. Without these limits, I believe society as a whole would not be as diverse and accepting as it is today.
To begin, if hate speech was ever permitted, racists, sexists, ageists, etc. may be able to convince and persuade others into believing their non-sense about how one race is superior to another or how one gender is better. A perfect example of how one can influence a large group of people occurred during WWII. Adolph Hitler was able to successfully convince the majority of people in his country that people who did not have blue eyes and fair hair, were homosexual, did not believe in the Nazi regime, and were physically or mentally handicapped were of less importance than those who were not. In summary, the whole second word war was based on prejudices of those who had power. Now if someone in Canada were to speak this hate publicly they would immediately be charged for hate crimes which would prevent the spread of ones propaganda. Next, one may not speak vulgarly to the public. Although there is no specific example, I believe it is for the fact that swearing is frowned upon and relaying it through a speech that children can hear, may in fact, corrupt youth. Finally, the last restriction exemplified in this entry on Freedom of Speech is speaking of violent threats. For obvious reasons, saying you want someone dead or actually saying you are going to kill them is an illegal act. This is also partially illegal to do the fact that if you say you want someone dead, one of your followers may take it as you asking them to do it and commit the crime. To summarize, this restriction was placed to prevent deaths and save peoples lives.
So in conclusion, the limits placed on the Freedom of Speech are helpful and understandable. These restrictions keep us safe from hate and violence resulting in a better community and country for our great population.

“Saturday Climbing” Journal Reflection.

“Saturday Climbing” Journal Reflection.
Prepared By: Jacob Arsenault
#6: The father metaphorically suggests that his daughter may face obstacles in her life which he never had to face. What obstacles do you think people you’re age may have to overcome which were not present in your parents generation.

Regardless of age, race or gender, teenagers will always come across situations which will act as obstacles to their future. The difference between generations is the complications they will face. As society progresses, standards change as well. With these various changes, the behavior of youth begins to alter. Newly modified personalities then trigger peer pressures for the latest trends and these can then become the newer variety of obstacles. Presently, an average teen is faced with a plentiful amount of struggles they must face daily. One of the most common impediments now-a-days is illegal drugs. Although these substances have always been present in society, previous generations were not as exposed to the problem as much as youth of today. Now, it is not rare to come across teens who have consumed alcohol, smoked cigarettes or even marijuana. Another issue that ties in with drugs is steroid use and body image. As seen daily in magazines, online or on television, the projected image of what our body should look like has changed from the past. Now, more extreme visions or exaggerations of what the perfect body are being presented to the public and there is more pressure to comply and try to look as you are being told is right. Many teenagers would agree that it is common for people to take tremendous measures to try and live up to the standards the media provides us with. Asides from illegal substances and body image, youth of today also must face life in a single parent household. Due to the rising divorce rates, many teens have to grow up in houses where either a motherly or fatherly figure is not accessible. These influences are vital to the growth of ones self because their presence provides much needed advice and guidance to make healthy lifestyle choices. Studies have proven that children who grow up in single parent households are more likely to participate in illegal activities and also to be persuaded to be involved in other unlawful actions. Finally, the demands for a higher education are an issue teenagers must face in the twenty first century. Pressures to succeed have always been present but with jobs scarce, employers commonly require university or college diplomas. With this new necessity, an added four years of schooling is required. In the past, the society standard was to receive your secondary school diploma and then begin contributing to the economy by beginning your career. Currently, there are minimal occupations you can obtain without further education past high school. In conclusion, teenagers now-a-day face different obstacles compared to our parents. As outlined, drugs, body image, single parent households and higher education requirements all provide a new sense of pressure and stress than what would have been around in earlier generations.