The idea that words can be violence is a dangerous trend gaining traction in America. It’s a trend that undermines the very foundation of free speech and democracy, a trend that, ironically, makes actual violence more likely. This isn’t just a theoretical concern; it’s a real-world threat that we, as a nation, must address.
My organization, the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), recently conducted a survey revealing a chilling reality: 80% of Americans agree that “words can be violence.” Even more alarming, nearly half of Americans believe this statement to be “mostly” or “completely” true. This widespread acceptance of the “words are violence” notion is not only wrong but also a dangerous slippery slope.
Why is this so dangerous? Because it blurs the critical line between speech and action, between words and violence. When words are treated as equivalent to physical harm, the space for open dialogue and dissent shrinks. Criticism, disagreement, and even offensive speech become weapons, leading to a chilling effect on free expression.
I understand the argument. We live in a time of heightened sensitivity and awareness of social justice issues. We’ve seen words used to incite hatred and discrimination, and the pain caused by such words is very real. However, equating words with violence is a dangerous oversimplification. It ignores the fundamental difference between verbal and physical harm.
Words, no matter how hurtful, don’t break bones or draw blood. They don’t leave physical scars or cause immediate physical pain. Violence, on the other hand, is a direct assault on the body, a transgression against physical safety. This distinction is not arbitrary; it’s crucial to the very fabric of a free and open society.
We’ve seen this dangerous trend play out on college campuses, where the “words are violence” argument is used to silence dissenting voices and stifle debate. In the wake of violent protests against conservative provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos in 2017, students at UC Berkeley, the birthplace of the free speech movement, argued that his speech demanded violent retaliation. This dangerous conflation of words and violence is a direct assault on the principles of free speech and open discourse.
We must remember that words, even those we find offensive or hurtful, are not violence. They are expressions of thought, ideas, and opinions. They may be offensive, they may be hurtful, but they are not an assault on our physical safety. Violence, on the other hand, is a very different thing. It is a direct attack on the body, a transgression against physical safety.
The ability to disagree, to debate, to challenge ideas without resorting to violence is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. It is a testament to the progress of human civilization, a sign that we have evolved beyond settling our differences through brute force.
As tensions rise in our nation, particularly in the midst of an election, it’s more important than ever to remember this crucial distinction. When we equate words with violence, we create a climate where actual violence becomes more likely. We must preserve the space for open dialogue and debate, even when we disagree. Our democracy depends on it.
