Have Americans become a ruthless and thoughtless group of people, or has America become a sensitive and fragile nation?

The underlying truth to freedom of speech is merely a matter of understanding. Opinions are felt by everyone and can be stated by everyone.

Everyone has the right to express their own thoughts and beliefs, however, once one’s opinion has turned from an opinion into what can be argued as slander or character assassination of a person or group of people, it has crossed the acceptance line.

Freedom of speech is not something that can be used to justify a hate crime or severe acts of violence.

What can and can’t be said based on the First Amendment is strictly based on your knowledge and understanding of the amendment, along with your own morals and judgment.

However, if we look at the First Amendment, America has just become too delicate, but is that actually the case?

Does freedom of speech allow anybody to say anything he or she wants, or are there limitations on the Constitution just as there are on every other aspect of life?

With such a diplomatic issue looming, the only policing of the situation that can take place is if we all educate ourselves with the dos and don’ts of the First Amendment.

By definition, the First Amendment is the practice that “Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble and to petition the government for a redress of grievances,” according to law.cornell.edu.

However, due to the severity of multiple situations in today’s society, certain topics, such as homosexuality and religion, seem off limits in terms of freedom of speech.

This can be seen in the recent incident that took place in Garland, Texas. An anti-Muslim group held a Muhammad drawing competition in which a $10,000 award would be given to the person who best captured the Islamic prophet in cartoon form.

American activist Pamela Geller and Dutch politician Geert Wilders both were in attendance for the event. Geller and Wilders have been scrutinized in the past due to their “spirited attacks on [the] religion of Islam itself,” according to examiner.com.

As reported by examiner.com, the event was inspired by the terrorist attack that happened in Paris, France on the offices of Charlie Hebdo.

Two gunmen opened fire on the police officers, stationed as security, during the event held by the anti-Muslim group.

In the midst of the fire exchange, police officer Bruce Joiner was hit in the ankle while the terrorists were shot and killed.

Since the gunfire, the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS), a terrorist army that has overrun Iraq and Syria, have openly claimed responsibility for the attack.

Another recent event that took place is the riots in Baltimore, Maryland, which are still happening.

In an effort to bring justice for resident Freddie Gray, the Baltimore community organized a peaceful protest which turned into a violent calamity.

This raises the ongoing question about the limits of free speech and the necessary knowledge that is required about the First Amendment.

With so much lingering in the air in regards to this situation, it prompts many to ask, ‘how much is too much?’

When can freedom of speech be taken out of context and turned into something it was not meant for? Should it ever be taken out of context?

Is bloodshed the only act that results in change?

In keeping with examiner.com, “free speech advocates point out the [First] Amendment to the United States Constitution covers all speech…” however, it does not justify ventures of mass murder.