- Social Studies Nicholas Spina
V-Dem data on censorship around the world
1. Following along in class, explore V-Dem censorship data:
a. What do you think explains the correlation between government efforts at media censorship and media self-censorship?
b. Explore another indicator and location that relates in some way to speech or expression and note any interesting trends you find.
2. After reviewing the Scottish law, how do you interpret the phrase “stirring up hatred”? What other aspects of this section catch your eye and why? How would this bill be interpreted in the United States and why?
3. Given U.S. First Amendment protections, why are these actions allowed? Explain your position before looking up the results using the links.
Members of a neo-Nazi organization dressed in WWII German military uniforms conduct a parade in a predominantly Jewish neighborhood.
Members of the Westboro Baptist Church protest outside the funerals of fallen soldiers.
Burning the American flag on the steps of the Capitol building on a 4th of July celebration.
Review Scotland’s hate speech law that went into effect last spring. Scroll down to page 3: Part 3, Offenses Related to Stirring Up Hatred and review the first few clauses.
Look at SRU’s Speech Code Ratings produced by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE)
Following along in class, explore V-Dem censorship data:
a. What do you think explains the correlation between government efforts at media censorship and media self-censorship?
b. Explore another indicator and location that relates in some way to speech or expression and note any interesting trends you find.
2. After reviewing the Scottish law, how do you interpret the phrase “stirring up hatred”? What other aspects of this section catch your eye and why? How would this bill be interpreted in the United States and why?
3. Given U.S. First Amendment protections, why are these actions allowed? Explain your position before looking up the results using the links.
Members of a neo-Nazi organization dressed in WWII German military uniforms conduct a parade in a predominantly Jewish neighborhood.
Members of the Westboro Baptist Church protest outside the funerals of fallen soldiers.
Burning the American flag on the steps of the Capitol building on a 4th of July celebration.
4. What is your reaction to the survey data from college students on speech?
5. How do you evaluate SRU’s FIRE Speech Code Ratings? Do you find the justifications sufficient? Explain.