# Hate and the SDMB

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hate-and-the-sdmb/121530>\
**Category:** Great Debates\
**Created:** [July 30, 2002, 1:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hate-and-the-sdmb/121530 "2002-07-30T13:58:16Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 2\
**Page:** 2

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**Author:** ![Maeglin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/8baadc/32.png) [@Maeglin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Maeglin)\
**Post date:** [July 31, 2002, 1:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hate-and-the-sdmb/121530/21 "2002-07-31T13:37:51Z")

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> [@](#):
>
> Maeglin, when a person hates something, though, aren’t they also liable to say things intended to hurt those they hate?

Sure, **erislover**. Just as I am liable to talk about the things I love. But observe, I do not. Wherein is the difficulty?

> [@](#):
>
> Maeglin - are you thinking of hate speech as simple flame bait, or do you mean expressing a racially biased idea as part of a discussion? I think there is a distinction

Hate speech, for me, has much more in common with the former than the latter. It is intended to get a rise out of people, whether fear, anger, or some reaction in between. I believe one can talk perfectly calmly and rationally about one’s personal prejudices without resorting to hate speech.

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**Author:** ![erislover](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/71e660/32.png) [@erislover](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/erislover)\
**Post date:** [July 31, 2002, 3:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hate-and-the-sdmb/121530/22 "2002-07-31T15:09:25Z")

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**Maeglin** , and I believe that people should know enough not to put flimsy containers of hot liquid between their legs while driving. But look at that debate. When I have suggested that it isn’t absurd _prima facie_ that a 14 year old can consent to sex, I am open for much abuse. I am not clear whether abuse I have taken over that is meant to hurt me or meant to “shock” me into thinking differently or what.

Which is to say, when people hate, they say hateful things. This, by any definition I can imagine, is hate speech. It is meant to express spite and hurt other people. It is meant to get a reaction. Etc.

See what I mean? Or am I not getting what you’re saying?

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