Thorough, Reasoned, Compassionate,

Free Speech is always in peril. Throughout history, censorship has been the default. Rationales for the curtailment of speech abound, many of which benefit those in power, while others have sympathetic -intentions- like the promotion of equality.

The First Amendment, especially as interpreted under modern jurisprudence, is such a rare and precious light of individual freedom and collective self-governance. But it is misunderstood. Pundits, politicians, and bipartisan interest groups are never without arguments in favor of curtailing First Amendment protections, and continually misunderstand and misrepresent what the First Amendment actually protects and actually punishes.

In this book, Ms. Strossen argues this point lucidly, with a mind for reason and a heart of compassion for the causes which would abridge free speech with an eye to other important values. Hate-speech and the harms it can cause is one of the oft-cited reasons why we must forfeit or nerf this rare but fundamental right. But before such advocation, one has the responsibility to understand the reasons for the First Amendment, the rich and nuanced history of its construction, and the more effective ALTERNATIVES to combat hate-speech and other undesirable expression WITHOUT giving up this precious constitutional right.

Read this book. Understand why hate-speech laws are unnecessary or damaging, either because the hate-speech in question is already punishable under First Amendment law or because the cures will end up so much worse than the disease.

Once so informed, we can advocate together for a better nation— one which is more equal, more just, and more free, all the while exercising the very right to free speech which so enables us to plead our causes.

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Shows censorship doesn't actually fight hate

While I agree with the author that censorship doesn't reduce hate. The authors reason is a pragmatic look of which method has the less hate in a society. I think keeping the government out of legislating what people can think and discuss is proper because the governments role is to protect your freedom of thought and action as long as you aren't initiating force. So I think her argument was weak because it relied on the lack of effectiveness of censorship too much.

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Must read!!

Absolutely fantastic! As a student of history, and a staunch advocate of free speech, I didn’t realize how much my music drifted until challenged by this book. The ideals and concepts they’re in, provided a wonderful framework to interrogate my own, thinking and grow as individual. Very well done and highly recommend.

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well thought out and written book

I found the content of the book to be great, it's well thought out, good examples and supporting data, but the narration felt almost condescending at times which distracted from the content.

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Brilliant

How could a volume this thin and clearly written make such a complete and well-supported case for free speech? If you read only one book about addressing hate speech, this should be the one. It cannot receive enough praise.

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Surprise

ACLU? Never would I have thought such a fair and NON-WOKE treatise would be so excellent considering her ACLU association. The author reams those who hide behind hate speech laws, repeatedly driving home the simple truth that MORE SPEECH is the only lasting way to counter hate speech. The eminently qualified writer brings the reader/listener to college campuses, to the workplace, to the international scene, to the media (think facebook) with vivid examples of what has gone so wrong in banning hate speech. This is not a dry or stuffy book with legalese jargon. Unlike many authors who narrate their own books poorly, Nadine Strossen makes it a pleasant easy listen. In addition to pointing out the failed policy of hate speech laws (and practices), she offers positive suggestions.
Not overly long, it is worth the few hours to be in her audience. A truly bipartisan (neutral) experience. No hidden agenda.

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Amazing analysis of the topic

Really enjoyed and appreciated this book. I thought Nadine Strossen did a terrific job making the subject interesting and approachable.

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Exactly what the title promises

Strossen digs right into recent calls to further restrict “hate speech,” but she doesn’t fall into the hole of mocking those who have proposed more restriction based on their interest in social justice goals. She explains the problems with hate speech laws in Europe and Canada, how they are often used against the people supposedly protected by the laws, the capricious nature of enforcement and the fundamental difficulty of wording.
She gives positive examples from college campuses that have found creative ways of handling bias incidents that don’t involve illegal and punitive speech codes.
I listened to the whole book and ended up buying a hard copy because I want to have the concepts and examples at my finger tips.

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Important Message But Repetitive Execution

I found this topic to be of extreme importance. The information and examples cited are truly eye-opening and provide a unique argument for promoting counter-speech in lieu of censorship. It thoroughly explains the reasons for this argument. I had to listen to the text on 1.25 speed because I found the narration to be too drawn out and slow. Additionally, the message became overly repetitive and could have been delivered in a more succinct form.

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3 people found this helpful

Narration is weak

Content is good but redundant. Narration is unnecessarily sensational to the point of
annoyance. Exaggerative emphasis of words and statements. Let the words speak for themselves.

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1 person found this helpful