

Think Again: Is Free Speech Under Threat? with Suzanne Nossel and Charlotte Lydia Riley
4 snips Oct 11, 2024
Suzanne Nossel, CEO of PEN America and author of "Dare to Speak," joins historian Charlotte Lydia Riley to explore the complexities of free speech today. They debate the perceived crisis surrounding cancel culture and its impact on public discourse. The conversation highlights the tension between holding elites accountable and the fear of silencing marginalized voices. With insights into book bans, societal repercussions of criticism, and the influence of social media, they delve into the challenges of maintaining open dialogue in a polarized world.
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Free Speech's Legal Scope
- Free speech, as legally defined, restricts government censorship, not private consequences.
- It protects those challenging authority, historically benefiting dissidents and protestors.
Cancellation vs. Censorship
- Current free speech debates often concern social, not legal, consequences.
- Those claiming "cancellation" often seek freedom from criticism, not government censorship.
NYT Op-Ed Editor Firing
- The New York Times op-ed editor's firing exemplifies cancel culture's impact.
- It creates a chilling effect, making others hesitant to platform potentially controversial viewpoints.