Reviews

Freedom from Speech by Greg Lukianoff

wilycheese's review against another edition

4.0

The author makes some very interesting points and provides a useful update on the state of free speech on America's college campuses and in contemporary culture in general. It's thoughtful and makes its (very good) points powerfully and concisely. It takes a great deal of effort to say it all without saying too much, and that is the achievement of this broadside. Anyone familiar with FIRE's work will love this piece, and anyone unfamiliar will be curious to learn more.

kikiandarrowsfishshelf's review against another edition

3.0

This short little book – board side is the correct term – is about speech today, in particular why it is important that upsetting speech be heard and not condemned. It is rather good and thought provoking, in particular the trigger warning section. I do wish, however, that something more had been done with the question of capitalism/marketing and freedom speech. For instance, I agree that people shouldn’t be punished for voicing an unpopular opinion. But when dealing with a business, I’m more conflicted. For instance, if I, as a consumer, determine that for whatever reason I am not going to watch anything with Tom Cruise in it again (a position I currently hold) and if enough people agree with me. Doesn’t the movie company or television channel, have the right (perhaps even the duty to shareholders) to fire the person who is costing them money? Isn’t it my right not to watch or listen? I’m not sure what the answer is, and we need to be more open to opposing viewpoints, but I would like to see this question addressed more.

(BTW - a friend who is currently teaching a World Literature class was asked by a student not to use the s word. Said friend was confused because he hadn't used shit in class. He asked what the word was. The student said the word that describes what mom and dad do)