The History Of Free Speech In The USA (3d and Final Episode)

"Why are Americans so preoccupied with so-called “cancel culture”? What are the lines between accountability and cancellation? And what drives citizens to stand against objectionable statements?

"On this final episode in a three-part series on free speech, Heather and Joanne discuss the fall from grace of Loyalist politician Thomas Hutchinson during the Revolutionary period, the suppression of the German language during World War I, and the 2003 controversy over The Chicks’ public condemnation of the Iraq War."

Click on the link below:

What is Cancel Culture?

Cancel Culture: The Hypocrisy Of The Republicans

"Nikole Hannah-Jones, a Pulitzer-winning journalist and developer of the 1619 Project, was appointed to a tenured professorship at UNC-Chapel Hill. This is a position that is funded by the Knight Foundation. However, a board of old white lawyers who happen to be the Trustees of the University, denied Hannah-Jones tenure, against the recommendations of, well... everyone who should matter in the decision-making process. Many people have made bad faith arguments and whataboutisms, but Dr. Lindsey Osterman (tenured professor) is here to give us a real perspective on it."

Click on the link below for how the Republicans' magical thinking harms free speech.

The Hannah-Jones Tenure Denial is Worse Than You Think

Cancel Culture In Academia

I have posted on Cancel Culture in the past. This post presents evidence that using the term against academic institutions may not be valid. Click on the link below:

Debunking the Latest "Campus Craziness Stories"

"Cancel Culture": Beware Of How The Term Is Used

"Critics of cancel culture say the process stifles free expression, inhibits the exchange of ideas, and keeps people from straying from their comfort zones. Others, however, argue that it has empowered people to challenge the status quo and demand accountability from those in positions of power or wealth." (link)

It's a complicated issue, no matter your political persuasions. See the links below for more:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cancel_culture

https://time.com/5735403/cancel-culture-is-not-real/

https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/tv-radio-web/we-should-the-end-the-myth-surrounding-cancel-culture-1.3801900

Making Positive Words Negative

Language is fluid. The meaning of words can change so rapidly that, unless one is regularly deeply into social media, one may be confused and defensive when someone uses a word that was initially positive in a negative manner. For example, religious apologists may criticize atheists for using science in a positive way by pejoratively saying that such is "scientism." Likewise, people who are active in the causes of social justice may be labeled pejoratively as "social justice warriors", being "woke", or are promoting "cancel culture." The following links push back against the pejorative uses of these words:

In Defense of Scientism

In Defense of "Social Justice Warriors"

What Does "Woke" Mean?, How the word 'woke' was weaponised by the Right

In Defense of Cancel Culture, What is cancel culture?, In Defense of Cancel Culture, Complications and All,

A final word on this topic: generally, I don't support de-platforming speakers on college campuses as long as they are respectful AND are not allowed to spew hatred and/or blatantly un-scientific propaganda. In other words, truth and falsehoods are not equivalent. A college campus should be supporting critical/science-based thinking and, thus, should not be obligated to allow the latter to speak.