Past Supreme Courts considering how to balance between protected expressions and their-potentially harmfu1 or violent effects did not have to take into consideration the influence of the internet and socia1 media. Thanks to modern technology, modern-day communications can be disseminated easily and widely, and therefore have far greater reach and potentially greater effect. Therefore, YG's lyrics and video go far beyond artistic expression that deserves protection. The intent and impact of YG's rap, from promoting crime and advocating inJury to a particular group of people, moves “Meet the Flockers” beyond the threshold of speech that is protected by the First Amendment to hate speech.
While the video of YG's “Meet the Flockers” has been removed by YouTube following complaints by Chinese and Asian groups, many remaining links and caches exist where it can still be accessed and viewed. To prevent further violence, we respectfully ask that your office investigate and take appropriate action against any individuals or media perpetrating such bigoted and hatefu1 crimina1 behavior.
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new civil rights advancement is needed to build a culture of civility, respect, and personal responsibility.
