Balancing Act and Free Speech
Posted By Kathleen David on April 7, 2022
I read in the NYT today an article by a conservative professor who has changed his mind about what a safe space can be and why we need them.
It boils down to creating a space can be used for differing opinions where they are discussed rather than turning into who can “yell” the loudest.
He found that most of his students self-censored no matter what their political beliefs were. Students were worried about being ‘cancelled’ because they believe an unpopular opinion or had a differing point of view than a majority of the class.
He says the system he has in his classroom is not perfect but it does lead to lively discourse.
To some they need their safe space so they can talk about things that are bothering them and not be judged.
That’s all good and can help people.
I take exception to people who inform me that I have to conform my thoughts to their in a public setting because they have triggers.
Now I know people who have PSTD and do have REAL triggers that they try to avoid.
But the word ‘trigger’ has been diluted to ‘this makes me feel a little uncomfortable’.
Life is uncomfortable. People’s opinions can be uncomfortable and do not conform to one’s beliefs.
We learn when we are uncomfortable. The lessons can be painful but they push us to learn.
The more in a conversation I hear someone talking to me or rather at me about all the things I must not talk about, the less my interest in talking to them.
Most of the people I know who do get triggered, tend not to dwell on it and, unless they are confronted with a condition that does trigger them, do not introduce themselves with everything you can’t talk to them about.
I like a good debate. I hate a shouting match. Especially when the winner is the loudest bully in the group who shouts everyone else down.
There is a lot of shouting these days and repeating of both truth and lies.
Everyone has their minds so made up, there is no changing them.
At least one professor is trying to get us back to debating and listening to others opinions about all kinds of things and know that they are being listened to as well.
I am grateful for flexible minds.
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