Is bullying and trolling protected under free speech?

[Al B. Sure!]

I see liberals on my facebook criticizing conservative groups for opposing anti-bullying legislation... but these same liberals oppose the anti-trolling law in Arizona aimed at harassment and bullying via electronic means.



There seems an inconsistency in peoples' positions. How is a law prohibiting harassment via electronic means unconstitutional but a law prohibiting harassment on the school playground something that should be supported? They seem to be the same issue just expressed on different mediums. Obviously, as far as bullying in person is criminal as per existing laws regarding threats, assault, etc., it should be prosecuted. Schools also have an obligation to monitor the kids. However, recent suicides and other incidents have shown that online bullying is equally, if not more (due to the greater online exposure), destructive than school bullying. I can understand support for both anti-bullying measures together or opposition to both together, but I don't see how you can support one and oppose the other. Does it matter if the bullying takes place in the hallway or on a facebook wall?

MrFun?

[MrFun]

WHAT THE FVCK IS SO CONTROVERSIAL ABOUT ANTI-BULLYING LAWS??

The fact that so many conservatives are trying to cook a controversy over this, is another example of how fvcked up our country is.

[Al B. Sure!]

WHAT THE FVCK IS SO CONTROVERSIAL ABOUT ANTI-BULLYING LAWS??

The fact that so many conservatives are trying to cook a controversy over this, is another example of how fvcked up our country is.

Arizona bill HB 2549:

"It is unlawful for any person, with intent to terrify, intimidate, threaten, harass, annoy or offend, to use any electronic or digital device and use any obscene, lewd or profane language or suggest any lewd or lascivious act, or threaten to inflict physical harm to the person or property of any person."

I don't know how they implement this but I'm guessing if Ben were in Arizona when he threatened Loin, Loin could press charges.

Beyond having free speech implications, it seems absurd to jail people for trolling on the internet.


What gets me is the liberals are opposed to the anti-bullying online laws but support the anti-bullying in the schoolyard laws... not understanding the distinction.

You, however, appear to be consistent, at least, if you are opposed to all offensive language even if it flies in the face of the First Amendment. We'll be on the UK ****.

[SlowwHand]

WHAT THE FVCK IS SO CONTROVERSIAL ABOUT ANTI-BULLYING LAWS??

The fact that so many conservatives are trying to cook a controversy over this, is another example of how fvcked up our country is.

To say nothing of the generalities that people invoke.

[Aeson]

There are a lot of anti-bullying laws out there. They aren't all the same. Some go further than others. You'll need to be more specific Al.

As far as the Arizona bill, it is so broad as to obviously be absurd. "Annoy or offend"...

[Hauldren Collider]

WHAT THE FVCK IS SO CONTROVERSIAL ABOUT ANTI-BULLYING LAWS??

The fact that so many conservatives are trying to cook a controversy over this, is another example of how fvcked up our country is.

I would ask what is so controversial about the first amendment, you ****ing moron.

[The Mad Monk]

WHAT THE FVCK IS SO CONTROVERSIAL ABOUT ANTI-BULLYING LAWS??

The fact that so many conservatives are trying to cook a controversy over this, is another example of how fvcked up our country is.

Depending on how far it's going, it's either better dealt with at school level,* or there are already applicable assault laws.

*: assuming competent school staff backed up with appropriate rules.**

**: yeah I know, but law enforcement can be incompetent as well, and has more serious implications.***

***: well, are they arresting the kids, or the parents? Break up a family? WHO WILL THINK OF THE CHILDREN!?!?****

****: **** you.

[Hauldren Collider]

Also, I honestly think that learning how to deal with bullies is part of growing up. It's not like assholes go away once you turn 18.

[loinburger]

I think the problem is that a kid used to be subject to, I dunno, a half dozen bullies before graduating high school; now a kid can be subjected to hundreds or thousands of bullies just by playing too much Counterstrike. This doesn't mean that a law is the way to correct the problem, unless the law is to ban kids from playing Counterstrike, which I fully support, because they're all a bunch of horrible campers anyway.

[DinoDoc]

unless the law is to ban kids from playing Counterstrike, which I fully support, because they're all a bunch of horrible campers anyway.

[giblets]

WHAT THE FVCK IS SO CONTROVERSIAL ABOUT ANTI-BULLYING LAWS??

The fact that so many conservatives are trying to cook a controversy over this, is another example of how fvcked up our country is.

You don't have a right to not be offended on the internet.

[Aeson]

Also, I honestly think that learning how to deal with bullies is part of growing up. It's not like assholes go away once you turn 18.

They're still giving you wedgies?

[Hauldren Collider]

They're still giving you wedgies?

Do you ever say anything original? 0/10

[Al B. Sure!]

Also, I honestly think that learning how to deal with bullies is part of growing up. It's not like assholes go away once you turn 18.

What bullies have you dealt with at your school? Kids making fun of you because you wore white boat shoes when you went sailing after Labor Day?

[Hauldren Collider]

Are you trying to goad me into a game of "whose adolescent life sucked more?" Because I already know yours did. It's not like these sorts of things are matters of pride.