“Shouting Fire” Discussion Questions/ Answers

1)   Why do some people believe the First Amendment “goes too far”? 

People say the First Amendment "goes too far" because it contradicts itself. We as US citizens have the freedom of religion, of the press, and a peaceful assembly. It contradicts itself because once something gets expose, rather if its a lie or the truth, they want to go against it. We can say anything that is positive or not offensive to someone. 

 2) What is your reaction to the story of school principal Debbie Almontaser?

I find it very messed up and unprofessional, the reason being is because as a interviewer or a journalist you have to state and record facts about the person you are interviewing. Not twist the words around and make them look like a bad person. Debbie herself organized the organization, but the shirts that was being sold with the Arabic quote is not in any way in a negative form. The interviewer just twisted her words and that's not right. I was upset with the decision that the interviewer made and what happened to Debbie.

3) Sometimes, freedom of speech means protecting speech you don’t agree with. Use an example of one of the freedom of speech stories from the film to help you look for a current event where the discussion of freedom of speech or press is involved.