Encyclopedia of Opinion
Question
Is it okay to punch Nazis?
Position1 of 3›

No, it's not okay to punch Nazis

Punching Nazis might sound satisfying, but if we want to uphold our morality, both individually and societally, we must find other means to mitigate the threat of fascism.

Supporting arguments · 5

  1. Punching Nazis begins a cycle of violence
    In the face of evils like bigotry and fascism, it’s tempting to take the eye-for-an-eye route, punching Nazis as an attempt at retribution. However, this approach only causes more of the violence we are trying to avoid.
  2. It's not okay to punch anyone
    On a gut level, it might feel good to see someone as evil as a Nazi get punched. However, pacifists realize that violence is an evil in and of itself, and even the worst people deserve to be treated humanely.
  3. We must uphold free speech
    Using violence as a means to silence Nazis is a slippery slope that could eventually infringe on everyone's First Amendment rights to voice their beliefs.
  4. Violence isn't a long-term solution
    Though punching a Nazi might shut them up momentarily, it will neither effect their actions or correct their beliefs in the long run.
  5. Whether they win or lose, white supremacist groups benefit from street-fight encounters