A large majority of Americans believe words can be equated to physical violence, a poll released Thursday found.
In total, 80% of respondents at least slightly agreed with the statement that “words can be violence,” while 22% said it describes their thoughts “completely,” according to an October poll by the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), which it described as “shocking.” Only 12% of Gen Z respondents disagreed that speech could be violence.
“Equating words with violence trivializes actual physical harm, shuts down conversations, and even encourages real violence by justifying the use of force against offensive speech,” Greg Lukianoff, FIRE President and CEO, said in a press release. “Free speech isn’t violence, it’s the best alternative to violence ever invented.”
Women were more likely to believe words can be equated to violence,…
