The Editorial Board's conception of free speech, as stated in Friday's editorial, "Gossip Web site abuses free speech," is deeply misguided. Like the Board, I find the comments on JuicyCampus.com reprehensible, repugnant and disgusting. Yet, to say that this abominable speech "infringes on the rights of others" is to misunderstand the definition of "rights."
Individuals do not have a right not to be mentioned in gossip. John Stuart Mill taught us the value of absolute free speech in a free society by arguing that only by allowing for the expression of repugnant views can they be addressed. The anonymous gossip occurring on JuicyCampus.com reflects what a subculture of students are thinking and talking about every day. The Web site actually does us a favor, allowing concerned observers to see these disgusting thoughts, so they actually can combat them.
The solution to racism, for instance, is not to shut up the racists but, rather, destroy their racist premises through more free speech. Silencing the commenters on JuicyCampus.com would only internalize their abhorrent views; the mindset that is prompting these views is what needs to be eradicated.
Josh Parker
Trinity '09
Get The Chronicle straight to your inbox
Signup for our weekly newsletter. Cancel at any time.