Big Think The power of criticism — and the cost of silence
Oct 9, 2025
Explore the compelling argument that free speech is essential for preventing violence. Jacob Mchangama highlights the dangers of suppressing criticism, warning that silence can create a pressure cooker effect, pushing individuals towards violent actions. He emphasizes that open expression promotes collective action and societal change. His insights draw a stark contrast between the harms of free speech and the far graver consequences of censorship, advocating for a society where dialogue triumphs over oppression.
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Free Speech As Nonviolent Collective Action
- Free speech functions as a nonviolent mechanism for collective action in complex societies.
- Suppressing expression creates pressure that can escalate into violence when peaceful channels close.
Permit Criticism To Prevent Violence
- Allowing criticism of government and ideas reduces incentives for violent change by offering peaceful channels.
- Governments should avoid denying peaceful expression through force to prevent justification for violence.
Censorship Risks Outweigh Digital Harms
- Free speech has visible harms, especially amplified in the digital age.
- However, stricter censorship risks greater harm to freedom, democracy, equality, and tolerance.
