The 12 Books of Christmas | Think Again: Is Free Speech Under Threat? with Suzanne Nossel and Charlotte Lydia Riley
Intelligence Squared
Deep Dive
Why does Suzanne Nossel believe free speech is under threat?
Suzanne Nossel argues that free speech is under threat due to various factors, including the banning of over 10,000 books in schools and libraries, laws restricting certain topics like race and gender identity, and the potential return of a president who has threatened journalists. She also highlights the role of social media companies in suppressing viewpoints and the spread of disinformation, which undermines public trust and safety.
What does Charlotte Lydia Riley argue about cancel culture?
Charlotte Lydia Riley contends that cancel culture does not represent a significant threat to free speech. Instead, she sees it as a moral reckoning with an inequitable society, where marginalized groups are given more opportunities to voice their perspectives. She argues that those who claim to be 'cancelled' often still find platforms to express their views, and the outcry against cancel culture often serves to silence progressive voices.
How does Suzanne Nossel view the role of social media in free speech?
Suzanne Nossel believes that social media companies play a detrimental role in free speech by suppressing entire debates and viewpoints without recourse for users. She also highlights how the spread of disinformation on these platforms undermines public trust and endangers election workers, public health officials, and emergency responders.
What is Charlotte Lydia Riley's perspective on the historical context of free speech?
Charlotte Lydia Riley, as a historian, is skeptical of claims that free speech is more threatened now than in the past. She argues that the current debate around free speech often ignores historical inequalities in who had the power to speak freely. She believes that social media has democratized speech, allowing more people to participate in public discourse than ever before.
How does Suzanne Nossel define free speech?
Suzanne Nossel defines free speech as both a legal protection against government censorship and a societal value that fosters the exchange of ideas, democratic participation, artistic creation, and self-expression. She emphasizes that free speech is not an absolute principle but serves broader societal goals.
What does Charlotte Lydia Riley argue about the impact of free speech on marginalized groups?
Charlotte Lydia Riley argues that free speech, as it is currently framed, often benefits those in power who want to avoid consequences for their speech. She believes that marginalized groups, who historically had less access to platforms, are now using social media to challenge dominant narratives and hold powerful figures accountable, which can feel like a threat to those used to speaking without opposition.
What is Suzanne Nossel's greatest fear about the future of free speech?
Suzanne Nossel's greatest fear is the potential loss of authenticity in public discourse due to the rise of AI-generated content. She worries that as AI becomes more prevalent, people may struggle to discern genuine human interaction from artificial communication, which could undermine the integrity of human relationships and public debate.
What does Charlotte Lydia Riley see as a positive development in free speech?
Charlotte Lydia Riley views the increasing openness of academia as a positive development in free speech. She notes that academia is becoming more inclusive, allowing a wider range of voices to participate in discussions about history and identity. This, she believes, is leading to a more thorough reckoning with the past and challenging traditional assumptions about British history.
- Over 10,000 books banned in US schools and libraries
- Laws restricting what can be taught in schools and universities
- Social media companies silencing viewpoints
- Disinformation jeopardizing public trust
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