Freedom of speech is one of many things that I admire about this country. But can freedom of speech harm people? It may not harm people physically, but emotionally it can be harmful.

After going through CNN’s page I came across a video about a 72-year-old lady in Azle, Texas who posted a sign in front of her house that reads: “Hispanics Keep Out”.

It’s morally wrong and racist, but it’s not against the law to express yourself or to place racist signs on your property. Freedom of speech means being able to express yourself regardless of who gets hurt in the process.

A CNN reporter told the homeowner that her sign was making her neighbors upset. Her response was, “You know I don’t care; I’m upset about them coming over here illegally, too.”

Racism is a continuous cycle that doesn’t stop just because we have a black president. Don’t get me wrong, having a black president is a reminder we are improving as a country, but there are those who are falling behind the movement. It’s time we help them move forward with the rest of us. As a minority, I feel we should always walk with our heads high and be proud of what our color, hair texture, eyes, and accent represent.

As a Latina and immigrant, the woman's sign is upsetting, but I will not let signs like this or people like that step in front of me and block me from taking advantage of the opportunities this country has to offer.

 

 

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