
Teaching a free speech class this unfolding of events has really forced me to think about just how seriously we take the issue of free speech. On the surface, we argue a lot about this, claim our free speech rights at the drop of a hat when someone tries to silence us, but do we really understand the complex history of free speech in the United States? Do we really want to know?
Now, don't take this the wrong way, but I am sometimes struck by students who really don't care to know how this all came about. Some tell me, "I just don't like history" or "this is too complicated" or "this history is boring." But, when I look at faces of protesters in Egypt on the news, and see people who are really, perhaps for the first time, seeking what it feels like to express oneself freely, in public, through speeches, poetry, art, music, calling leaders to account, and then seeing the result unfold, I cannot but think that these folks know this history of repression intimately and now see change happening. Perhaps we in the United States are just too complacent about our "rights," or we figure someone else can worry about them. Or we don't care. I am not sure.
Photos: CM Coexistencemag.com (from The Terry Project blog); This Week in History from Peacebuttons
2 comments:
I believe a lot of the revolutions in Africa right now, have much to do with the forming/strengthening of the African Union.
What amazes me is the fact that Libya is getting, so much air time in the news, while Côte d'Ivoire and Gbagbo really hasn't been brought to light.
It seems to me Africa, is taking baby steps in the right direction. But I will say this, the future looks very bright indeed!
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