Larry Flynt addresses hundreds at Syracuse University
/ Tom Eschen
SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY -- Larry Flynt, free speech activist, and publisher of Hustler magazine (a monthly pornographic magazine), addressed hundreds at Syracuse University's Goldstein Auditorium on Tuesday evening, trying to spread education on the First Amendment.
"If you can in any way motivate them, to become more involved in this issue, it'll make things better," Flynt says.
Flynt says he believes Americans share the belief that they do not want government intrusion into their lives, which constitutes the regulation of freedom of speech.
"You pay a price to live in a free society, and that price is toleration, you have to tolerate things that you don't necessarily like so you can be free," Flynt says.
Students learned about Flynt's free speech philosophy, with some admitting they needed to learn more about the First Amendment, but still realizing how important it is to their future.
"It's important to know your rights and know what you are able to do, so you don't restrict yourself," Emily Pietrocarlo, a junior Television-Radio-Film Major at Syracuse University, says.
Flynt also addressed social media, and said while some social media epitomizes what free speech is all about, he's also concerned that some forms of social media violate the privacy of Americans by making personal information available without permission.
