What is the difference between *hate speech* and *criticism*?

My guess would be that generally criticism has some logic and structure behind it where as a lot of hate speech is delivered by illiterate idiots who are too angry to do anything constructive/useful.

"Hate speech" is just that: saying something very hateful about a particular group of people, such as "Blacks should all be lynched." Anything else is freedom of speech.

But even "Blacks should all be lynched," should be legal to say. I would never presume to have the authority to tell another person what ideas they are or aren't allowed to speak. The whole idea of freedom of speech is that everyone can say whatever they want, no matter how ridiculous it sounds. And if it is so ridiculous, then it won't catch on. The public will filter it out. But they need to be free to choose to filter it out. I feel sorry for anyone who's so audacious as to think they have any kind of authority over the exchange of free ideas.

It's my understanding that there is constructive criticism designed to help someone "do better", such as a boss pointing out mistakes that need correcting.

Then there is criticism that's just a difference of opinion, Example " So-and-so just doesn't agree with someones methods. My boss does it her way, I do it mine.

Hate speech is an aggressive tactic designed to demonize a particular group, and influence others. I may not agree with every thing that I see or hear, but live and let live.

The problem is that the boundary isn't clear (unless with are talking about obvious cases like incitement).

If "homosexuality is a sin" is hate speech, is "Having wealth without supporting the poor is despicable" also hate speech?

Consider how casually the phrase "class warfare" gets thrown around when anyone talks about tax fairness.

Then consider that we have the best government money can buy.

You don't think corporations and other groups with wealth and power would use such laws to silence criticism?

Why would you trust those in power to serve the interests of the oppressed rather than the interests of those who fund their campaigns?

If the person on the receiving end of the criticism has denounced God and embraced socialism, then it's hate speech. Otherwise it's free speech.

Maybe I can give you an example of each.

My wife is making cookies.... same message, 2 different ways...

CRITICISM:

Honey, they're burnt. I think you had the oven a bit too hot, or you left 'em in too long. And, the next time, would you please not put nuts in the cookie mix? You know I hate nuts in my cookies. Thanks, honey.

HATE SPEECH:

You stupid f--king b-+ch! You burnt the f--king cookies, AND you put f--king NUTS in the damn things, too! You stupid f--king c--t, can't you do a damn thing right?

Criticism is talking about white heterosexuals

Hate speech is talking about any minority. You can't say anything about a minority without someone getting their feathers rustled.

EXACTLY why I don't like those laws.

It's too open to interpretation.