Race, Speech, and Free Speech Law

Just Words ◽  
2019 ◽  
pp. 156-183
Author(s):  
Mary Kate McGowan

This chapter applies the phenomenon of covert exercitives to free speech issues. The main goal is to show that because racist speech in public places enacts discriminatory norms, there is a harm prevention justification for its legal actionability. In the process, the philosophical foundations of a free speech principle are presented. Various justifications for extending special protections to speech are discussed; issues about the scope of a free speech principle are identified, and the conditions for legitimate regulation are presented. Several argumentative strategies for speech regulation are discussed and one is shown to be preferable. The actionability of some racist speech in some public spaces is supported using that strategy.

Author(s):  
Francine May

Methods for studying the public places of libraries, including mental mapping, observation and patron mapping are reviewed. Reflections on the experience of adapting an observational technique for use in multiple different library spaces are shared. Sont passées en revue les méthodes pour étudier la place publique des bibliothèques, y compris les représentations mentales, l’observation et la catégorisation des usagers. L’auteure partage ses réflexions sur l’expérience d’adapter une technique d’observation à différents espaces de bibliothèque. ***Full paper in the Canadian Journal of Information and Library Science***


2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Ganczak ◽  
Oskar Pasek ◽  
Łukasz Duda – Duma ◽  
Dawid Świstara ◽  
Marcin Korzeń

Abstract Background Face masks have been employed in the COVID-19 pandemic plans as a public and personal health control measure against the spread of SARS-CoV-2. In Poland, obligatory wearing of masks in public spaces was introduced on April 10th, 2020; a relaxation of previous universal measures was announced on May 29th, 2020, limiting use to indoor public places. Objective To assess use of masks or other protective devices in public spaces in Poland during the SARS-Cov-2 epidemic. Methods A non-participatory covert observational study was conducted on three dates, (10.05/18.05/25.05.2020) at public spaces in 13 regions with different risks. Ten consecutive individuals were observed by each of 82 medical students (n = 2460 observations), using a structured checklist. Results Among 2353 observed persons, the female/male ratios were 1.0, 1.1, and 1.0 on the three dates. Almost three quarters - 73.6% (n = 552/750) were using masks on date 1, 66.5% (544/818) on date 2; and 65.7% (516/785) on date 3. Cloth masks predominated on all dates (64.7–62.3%-62.6%), followed by medical (23.4–28.5%-26.9%). Being female (OR = 1.77–1.47-1.53 respectively) and location in a closed space (OR = 2.60–2.59-2.32) were each associated with higher usage. Participants in sports were about two times less likely to use masks (OR = 0.64–0.53-0.53) as compared to other activities. The proportion using masks correctly decreased gradually over time (364/552; 65.9%; 339/544; 62.3% and 304/516; 58.9%). More females wore masks correctly (date 1: 205/294; 69.7% vs 159/258; 61.6%, and date 3: 186/284; 65.5% vs 118/232; 50.9%; p = 0.045; p = 0.0008 respectively). Uncovered noses (47.3–52.7%) and masks around the neck (39.2–42.6%) were the most frequent incorrect practices. Conclusions Practices were not in line with official recommendations, especially among males, and deteriorated over time. Cloth masks were predominantly used in public spaces. Health promotion, through utilizing all available communication channels, would be helpful to increase compliance.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Ganczak ◽  
Oskar Pasek ◽  
lukasz Duda-Duma ◽  
Dawid Świstara ◽  
Marcin Korzeń

Abstract Background: Face masks protect against SARS-Cov-2, however, if used incorrectly masks may increase transmission risk. Many countries, including Poland, recommend masks in pandemic control plans. In Poland, obligatory wearing of masks in public spaces was introduced on April 10th, 2020 [18]; a relaxation of previous universal measures was announced on May 29th, 2020, limiting use to indoor public spaces.Objective: to assess use of masks or other protective devices in public spaces in Poland during the SARS-Cov-2 epidemic and to evaluate influencing determinants.Methods: A non-participatory covert observational study was conducted on three dates, (10.05/18.05/ 25.05.2020) at public spaces in 13 regions with different risks. Ten consecutive individuals were observed by each of 82 medical students (n=2460 observations), using a structured checklist.Results: Among 2353 observed persons, the female/male ratios were 1.0, 1.1, and 1.0 on the three dates. As for age, 21-60-year-olds predominated at 70.8%, 71.9%, and 70.2%; 73.6% (n=552/750) were using masks on date 1, 66.5% (544/818) on date 2; and 65.7% (516/785) on date 3. Cloth masks predominated on all dates (64.7%-62.3%-62.6%), followed by medical (23.4%-28.5%-26.9%). Being female (OR=1.75-1.47-1.53 respectively), aged >40 years (OR=1.46-1.48 respectively), and location in a closed space (OR=2.56-2.63-2.36) were each associated with higher usage. Participants in sports were about two times less likely to use masks (OR=0.64-0.54-0.5) as compared to other activities. The proportion using masks correctly decreased gradually over time (364/552; 65.9%; 339/544; 62.3% and 304/516; 58.9%). More females wore masks correctly (date 1: 205/294; 69.7% vs 159/258; 61.6%, and date 3: 186/284; 65.5% vs 118/232; 50.9%; p=0.045; p=0.0008 respectively). Uncovered noses (47.3%-52.7%) and masks around the neck (39.2%-42.6%) were the most frequent incorrect practices. Conclusions: Practices were not in line with official recommendations, especially among young males, and deteriorated over time. Cloth masks were predominantly used in public spaces. Health promotion, through utilizing all available communication channels, would be helpful to increase compliance.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2089 (1) ◽  
pp. 012051
Author(s):  
O Facho ◽  
T Cama ◽  
D Esenarro ◽  
J Livia ◽  
C Cuetoand ◽  
...  

Abstract The present research aims to propose a model for the recovery of residual public spaces to improve the quality of life of the district of San Borja’s inhabitants. San Borja is in the process of densification and requires a more significant number of public spaces that offer, in addition to vegetation, public places for active and passive recreation, such as spaces for sports and games, walking pets, and relaxation. These needs have increased due to the confinement caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Also, it was noted that the median strip, or central reservation of the avenue, can be recovered for people to use. Therefore, a four-phase study was carried out that included reviewing the literature and observing two cases. In conclusion, a model was proposed to recover the public space of the median strips of San Borja Norte Avenue and San Borja Sur Avenue to improve the quality of life of the inhabitants of San Borja, which can be replicated in other avenues with residual spaces with similar characteristics.


2014 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 70-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alex Lambert ◽  
Scott McQuire ◽  
Nikos Papastergiadis

Networked media are increasingly pervading public spaces and influencing the way we behave in public. Australian municipalities and cultural institutions have begun deploying free Wi-Fi services hoping they will attract more visitors to public places, aid in curated events, galvanize communities and enhance local economies. In this article we present multi-method research aimed at understanding whether such services can enhance public space and culture, and hence contribute to the public good. We identify multiple forms of positive use which certain kinds of ‘user-centric' services enable. However, many public institutions face problems to do with funding, network models and choice of place which prevent the actualization of these positive outcomes. We consider how e-planning can be mobilized to help such institutions develop virtuous networked public spaces.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (20) ◽  
pp. 8352
Author(s):  
Chiara Garau ◽  
Alfonso Annunziata

The global process of urbanization, and the modification of social interaction determined by the pandemic crisis, poses the issue of the place of vulnerable users and, in particular, children, within the contemporary city. This research aimed to elaborate a theoretical and methodological framework, based on the concepts of affordance and capability, for analyzing the potential of public spaces to enable and support children’s independent activities. This potential, or meaningful usefulness, is expressed by the Index of Meaningful Usefulness of public Urban Spaces (IUIS). The latter is calculated via the tool ‘Opportunities for Children in Urban Spaces’ (OCUS). This methodology is applied to the analysis of significant public spaces within the historic center of the city of Iglesias in Sardinia, Italy. The results reveal adequate usefulness of the selected spaces, while underlining criticalities related to intrinsic spatial and physical attributes. The application to the case study confirms the validity of the theoretical and methodological framework embodied in the OCUS tool for supporting urban design and planning by orienting place-shaping processes towards the acknowledgement of children’s needs.


2020 ◽  
Vol 18 (12) ◽  
Author(s):  
Najiha Jaffar ◽  
Nor Zalina Harun ◽  
Alias Abdullah

Public spaces are vital elements of settlement fabrics that animate communities together in one place. Nevertheless, most public places are used for recreational purposes only without building on communal activities, especially in religious aspects. Therefore, to achieve robust social sustainability, this study aims to identify the key indicators for ensuring social sustainability of traditional settlements’ public spaces. This study explores the typologies of public spaces found in traditional settlements that fill the needs of the local community. A mixed methodology was used to map and observe the public spaces and the communal activities held in two traditional Malay settlements in Kuala Terengganu. The bulk of the data were randomly collected from 400 residents by using a questionnaire survey to identify the most relevant factors that influence social sustainability. The results show that mosques have been listed as the highest preference of public space in the two sampled settlements. The study outlines three key qualities that lead the community to choose the mosque as the most important public space: 1) convenient access, 2) comfortable and clean, and 3) social aspects. This paper concludes on how these findings contribute to the improvement of quality of life, social interaction and social cohesion to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) globally.


Author(s):  
Chiara Garau ◽  
Alfonso Annunziata

The global process of urbanization, and the modification of social interaction determined by the pandemic crisis poses the issue of the place of vulnerable users, and in particular children, within the contemporary city. This research aims to elaborate a theoretical and methodological framework, based on the concepts of affordance and capability, for analyzing the potential of public spaces to enable and support children’s independent activities. This potential, or meaningful usefulness, is expressed by the Index of Meaningful Usefulness of public Urban Spaces (IUIS). The latter is calculated via the tool ‘Opportunities for Children in Urban Spaces’ (OCUS). This methodology is applied to the analysis of significant public spaces within the historic center of the city of Iglesias in Sardinia, Italy. The results reveal adequate usefulness of the selected spaces, while underlining criticalities related to intrinsic spatial and physical attributes. The application to the case study confirms the validity of the theoretical and methodological framework embodied in the OCUS tool for supporting urban design and planning by orienting place-shaping processes towards the acknowledgement of children’s needs.


SUAR BETANG ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Fatmahwati A Fatmahwati A

This paper discusses use of Indonesian at public places in Kota Pekanbaru and this study aims to describe use of the language at public places and influencing actors. By using the descriptive analytic method and interpretative technique, data were analyzed with reference to literature review. The data of this study are words, phrases, and sentences used at public places media such as billboards, banners, and posters. The data are collected through observation and interview. The research findings reveal the most dominant phenomenon is the use of foreign languages and the use of Indonesian language that does not meet rules of Indonesian. The reasons for using foreign languages are: (1) respondents do not know that there is a regulation stipulating the use of Indonesian at public places, (2) they assume foreign languages have higher prestige, (3) they believe people like foreign languages better than Indonesian, and (4) they assume foreign terms are more commonly used. The reasons for misuse of Indonesian rules are: (1) respondents do not know Indonesian rules, (2) they assume Indonesian rules are not important, and (3) they believe that people do not cencern with the language rules. In addition, they tend to ignore rules of Indonesian. The linguistic landscape of the language of public spaces in Pekanbaru City informationally and symbolically shows that the existence of Indonesian is increasingly fading with the rise of the use of  foreign languages.


2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-92
Author(s):  
Nicholas Dynon

In recent years, national security policy makers globally have grappled with the challenge of addressing the vulnerability of ‘public spaces’ to terror attack. In the wake of the Christchurch mosque attacks, it’s a challenge that has gained sudden urgency in New Zealand. Faced with the numeric impossibility of protecting infinite public spaces within their jurisdictions, several states have enacted strategies to utilise the considerable ‘eyes and ears’ capability of their private security personnel sectors. While the harnessing of numerically superior private security guard forces presents opportunities for a more linked-up approach to protecting the public, there are also significant barriers. Despite their massive growth in recent decades, private security industries the world over struggle with issues – both real and perceived – around pay and conditions, training, standards and professionalism. With the UK and Australia already having taken steps towards public-private security partnerships, to what extent does New Zealand’s private security guarding sector constitute a potential national security force-multiplier?


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