Weighing the Limits of Freedom of Expression

NPR : Weighing the Limits of Freedom of Expression:

"Denmark, protests by Muslims erupted around the world after a Danish newspaper published caricatures of the prophet Muhammad. In the United States, derogatory remarks Harvard University President Larry Summers made about women in science led to his resignation. And the congressional campaign of Sen. George Allen of Virginia took a hit after he made what many found to be offensive remarks toward an ethnic group.

The highly valued freedom of expression is enshrined in the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. But in quiet moments, other feelings often emerge: fear that words can cause violence, that epithets can wound and harm."