Think you've got a firm grasp on free speech and what it entails? Prepare to have your perspectives challenged as we sit down with esteemed journalist Glenn Greenwald. Together, we prod the murky depths of the hate speech debate, dismantling the often-used justification for speech restriction. Glenn illuminates the startling subjectivity of defining 'hate speech' and unpacks the power dynamics at play in the act of censoring speech. Delving into current global conflicts, we connect these abstract debates to very real circumstances.
We cast a critical eye on the hypocrisy of free speech advocates, considering the implications of recent controversies on college campuses. Highlighting the inconsistencies of prominent voices on both the left and right, Glenn offers insights that might leave you feeling 'politically homeless'. But fear not, we also spotlight those who've remained steadfast in their support for free speech, such as the organization FIRE. We traverse the battlefield of controversial opinions, censorship in media, and the danger of equating political criticism with hate speech, referencing the landmark Supreme Court case of Brandenburg v. Ohio.
Join us as we take a deep dive into the complexities of the Israel-Palestine conflict and its reflections on American censorship. We scrutinize the American right's exceptions to their free speech advocacy concerning Israel and discuss the recent censorship of pro-Palestinian voices. Greenwald’s extensive knowledge and firsthand accounts breathe life into the ongoing debates, giving listeners a fresh look at the multifaceted world of free speech. The implications of these discussions reach far beyond our borders, as we reflect on the contrasts between US constitutional protections for free speech and the realities in other countries. Listen in and prepare to have your understanding of free speech both questioned and enriched.
0:00 Debunking Hate Speech
12:37 The Hypocrisy of Free Speech Advocates
22:24 Free Speech, Censorship, and Controversial Opinions
30:19 Israel Exception and Censorship in America
35:15 Political Criticism and Censorship Complexity
41:53 Free Speech and Censorship in Media
Music: Coma-Media (intro)
WinkingFoxMusic (outro)
Recorded: 12/15/23
