Current Events — HabitableZone

Current Events » in reply to Free speech on the campus

re: Free speech on the campus
Robert — (archived)

As usual, there are interpretations that aren't nearly as extreme as the stereotypical outrage of the stereotypical RightWinger. True, I agree that pulling up hundreds of crosses might seem a bit tacky, but then some people think that exploiting the sacred symbol of the cross for political purposes is more than a bit tacky in its own right. This usage of the cross has more in common with its usage as a symbol of hate by people like the KKK, and is disrespetful of Christianity in its own way.

This is all about a political conversation in the peculiar genre of "political theatre". The message wasn't in the existence of the field of crosses, it was in the act of putting them up, and the university's promotion of that point of view by giving its permission. A rebuttal in the same mode--pulling up the crosses--doesn't seem all that inappropriate. The anti-choice protestors chose the venue and the mode of expression, so it's more than a little disingenuous to whine that their opponents went along with it.

Of course you'll disagree, but then please explain how those opposed to the anti-choice position could effectively respond if they weren't allowed to respond in kind. A field of grass empty of crosses? Should their statement be restricted to an absence of a statement? The free speech of the opponents would be impaired if they were restricted to less dramatic forms of rebuttal, say a testy letter to the editor of the campus paper. If the university wants to lend its grounds to support one group's message, they can't complain if the opposing group uses the very same ground to make its response.

You see the Right's freedom of speech threatened every time somebody responds. I see the response as evidence that free speech is, while constantly threatened by the Right, still alive and well.

Log in or register to post.

The whole thread (52 posts)