Americans Love Free Speech Until Someone Uses It

The article argues that most Americans still say they value free speech in principle, but that support quickly fractures when confronted with real examples of speech they disagree with or find offensive. While roughly 8 in 10 Americans say freedom of speech should be protected “at all costs,” many also believe certain kinds of speech are harmful enough to justify limits or consequences.

Behind this paradox is a deeper tension: people want the right to speak freely, but they don’t always want everyone else to exercise that same freedom — especially when it challenges their values. A majority believe individuals should face social or professional penalties for controversial speech, even if they still oppose government censorship overall.

The piece also highlights the public’s mistrust of institutions to handle free speech issues fairly. Trust in news outlets, social platforms, and Congress is low, and when institutions take action against speech (such as network decisions or disciplinary measures), it often sparks broader backlash about censorship and power.

Rather than being absolutists or advocates of censorship, Americans are grappling with a negotiated understanding of free speech — one that recognizes both the value of open expression and the real-world consequences words can have in today’s digital and polarized environment.

See full article here.

‍

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/11/15/commentary-americans-love-free-speech-until-someone-uses-it/

‍