It is an oft-heard refrain that racist speech, hate propaganda, and pornography are "the price we pay" for our freedom of expression. This landmark collection of essays by 42 leading legal scholars, theorists, and activists contends that the price is too high, that it is borne unevenly, and that the standard legal response--absolutist adherence to the First Amendment--is inadequate, unjust, and in need of revision. The writers explore the increasingly urgent connections between hate speech and hate crimes, pornography and sexual harassment. They argue powerfully that "First Amendment absolutism" must not be allowed to jeopardize the guarantee of equal protection under the law, and suggest strategies for preserving civil rights which safeguarding civil liberties.--From publisher description.