We all know that speech can be harmful. But what are these harms, and how exactly does the speech in question bring them about?
Mary Kate McGowan identifies a previously overlooked mechanism by which speech constitutes, rather than merely causes, harm. She argues that speech constitutes harm when it enacts a norm that prescribes that harm. McGowan illustrates this theory by considering many categories of speech including sexist remarks, racist hate speech, pornography, verbal triggers for stereotype threat, micro-aggressions, political dog whistles, slam poetry, and even the hanging of posters.
Just Words
explores a variety of harms—such as oppression, subordination, discrimination, domination, harassment, and marginalization—and ways in which these harms can be remedied.