2008 Woodie Awards
Outcry over offensive assignment borders on opposing free speech
Elizabeth Glunt
Issue date: 11/15/07 Section: Soap Box
Rebekah McDade brought up an important question to the University of Maine community in her Nov. 8 editorial. She says that she has a problem with professors who present a singular point of view on a topic. Well I do too. That's why, if I find myself in a situation where I don't agree with a professor's argument, I say something in front of the entire class. It is ballsy, I know, but sometimes one finds oneself in a situation where it's better to speak up during class. Sometimes I find other people actually agree with me. Sometimes I find people who can only understand my stance but not agree with it. And sometimes I get burned.
McDade said that her problems don't lie solely with Professor Grosswiler and his class. She believes there are deeper issues with opinionated professors on campus. Unfortunately, I feel as though McDade hasn't gotten a feeling for what campus life is like. Conservatives will always be confronted with liberalism. Liberals will always be confronted with conservatism You will often find your political, social and religious ideals constantly attacked. Thank God or your deity of choice for it.
After all, a society filled with people who all think alike is dangerous and stagnant. A government filled with people who all think alike is even worse. I understand that McDade was offended by what Professor Grosswiler said. I also understand that it is McDade's opinion that offensive speech is speech that offends even one person. Well, this opinion offends me.
You see, it is a dangerous thing when one is allowed to call anything they disagree with "offensive." This will lead to censoring - and maybe even banning - things like books and art.
I took CMJ 211 in fall 2006. I was there when Professor Grosswiler said the exact same thing about burning the flag and Constitution. His humor wasn't lost on me. I laughed and thought, "Don't encourage college students to play with fire." Having completed the course, I appreciate the provocative nature of his comment. I also know that his definition of free speech is "freedom for thought you hate."
The question that Professor Grosswiler asks every one of his students is, "Can you allow someone to say something that makes you uncomfortable? What about something that you completely disagree with, even hate? Would you call such speech illegal if it offended you?" I am not well educated on the Student Bill of Rights, so I can't support or oppose it. I just hope that it doesn't become a censoring tool. I hope it doesn't stop a professor from airing his or her ideas.
This issue has raised the hackles of a few and made others laugh, but I hope for most it makes them think. How do you define free speech? As for the question that McDade raised when she asked that professors present both sides of an issue: What is the opposing side of free speech?
Elizabeth Glunt is a third-year English major who thanks God when people do not like her views.
McDade said that her problems don't lie solely with Professor Grosswiler and his class. She believes there are deeper issues with opinionated professors on campus. Unfortunately, I feel as though McDade hasn't gotten a feeling for what campus life is like. Conservatives will always be confronted with liberalism. Liberals will always be confronted with conservatism You will often find your political, social and religious ideals constantly attacked. Thank God or your deity of choice for it.
After all, a society filled with people who all think alike is dangerous and stagnant. A government filled with people who all think alike is even worse. I understand that McDade was offended by what Professor Grosswiler said. I also understand that it is McDade's opinion that offensive speech is speech that offends even one person. Well, this opinion offends me.
You see, it is a dangerous thing when one is allowed to call anything they disagree with "offensive." This will lead to censoring - and maybe even banning - things like books and art.
I took CMJ 211 in fall 2006. I was there when Professor Grosswiler said the exact same thing about burning the flag and Constitution. His humor wasn't lost on me. I laughed and thought, "Don't encourage college students to play with fire." Having completed the course, I appreciate the provocative nature of his comment. I also know that his definition of free speech is "freedom for thought you hate."
The question that Professor Grosswiler asks every one of his students is, "Can you allow someone to say something that makes you uncomfortable? What about something that you completely disagree with, even hate? Would you call such speech illegal if it offended you?" I am not well educated on the Student Bill of Rights, so I can't support or oppose it. I just hope that it doesn't become a censoring tool. I hope it doesn't stop a professor from airing his or her ideas.
This issue has raised the hackles of a few and made others laugh, but I hope for most it makes them think. How do you define free speech? As for the question that McDade raised when she asked that professors present both sides of an issue: What is the opposing side of free speech?
Elizabeth Glunt is a third-year English major who thanks God when people do not like her views.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Kathleen March
posted 11/15/07 @ 7:46 AM EST
Many people have been concerned about the impingement of the Patriot Act on constitutional rights. I did not notice that the offended individual(s) suggest this act might prevent them from speaking their minds. (Continued…)
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