Andrew Sullivan On Illiberal Feminism And The Language Of "Micro-Aggressions"
In a blog item about two men being stopped by feminists from having a public discussion on campus about abortion, Sullivan writes:
Once free speech is made contingent on no one's feelings being hurt, we no longer have free speech. Once that applies even within a university - the one space in our culture where free speech should be absolute - we have left liberalism behind on the march toward progressivism. That's why the logic of "hate crimes" is so pernicious; that's why the language of "micro-aggressions" leads to a public sphere in which some individuals, simply because of their gender or sexual orientation, are deemed unworthy of being allowed to debate. And those of us who speak out against this are damned in the same way: our integrity as human beings impugned, our characters wantonly besmirched, our views dismissed, and our arguments made to look as if they are mere prejudices.Any movement that seeks to win this way is not a movement I want to be a part of. And feminism is too vital a cause and too integral part of our discourse to be hijacked in this fashion.
Here's proud Niamh McIntyre, who brags that she helped shut it down "because my uterus isn't up for discussion."
Horrifying. (And I say that as somebody who is pro-choice -- while finding abortion creepy and awful.) In a free society, you have -- or should not have -- a fucking word of say as to whether anything is discussed.
Again, the answer to speech you deplore is more speech, not shutting down speech.
And here's something Greg Lukianoff notes in his beautifully written little book, Freedom From Speech -- how people are conflating physical and emotional security. Sullivan explains:
The college canceled the debate in part due to concerns about "physical security" of the students - the danger that the college would be mobbed by protestors, making a debate impossible - and their "mental security" as well. What on earth does "mental security" mean? This apparently:Mental security here refers to students' emotional well-being, avoiding unnecessary distress, particularly for any residents who may have had an abortion. With a 300 person protest expected, the event could not have been self-contained and it would have been impossible for those in the closest staircases (at a minimum) to avoid being made acutely aware of the event.
If you are incapable of dealing with the events of your life, you need to get therapy. The answer is not prohibiting others from hearing about an issue of interest to them.
Imagine telling like lil' Niamh that the comings and goings of my dick aren't "up for discussion."
She would presumably disagree.
Y'know, Big Mac had things to say about this.
Crid [CridComment at Gmail] at November 23, 2014 12:55 AM
I've been reading Alan Charles Kors' The Shadow University and in some ways it's oddly cheering. I mean, yes, suppression of speech and persecution of those with opinions out of step with current trends still occurs, but it hasn't worsened since 1999 when the book came out. Maybe there is a point at which Americans will not accept further limitations on free speech and we keep fighting the fight at those margins.
Anyway, I think I will follow Amy's advice from another thread and donate to FIRE this year.
Astra at November 23, 2014 6:45 AM
Very much agree with McArdle.
Great, Astra, on donating to FIRE.
Amy Alkon at November 23, 2014 7:29 AM
If you are pro free speech, then free speech should apply to everyone. There are some who say that, but don't mean it.
For example, many who opposed gay marriage a year or two ago who spoke against gay marriage and in favor of traditional marriage were fired, boycotted, or otherwise marginalized for expressing their views. The pro gay marriage backlash was overwhelming and was done by adults, not college kids.
I'm pointing out the inconsistency and hypocrisy of some who say they believe in free speech.
This is not an anti gay marriage post, but a pro free speech post.
Nick at November 23, 2014 9:10 AM
How's that anti-bullying campaign going?
Conan the Grammarian at November 23, 2014 12:40 PM
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