#1005 - Warren Smith - J.K. Rowling & The Cost of Speaking Freely
In this Modern Wisdom episode, Warren Smith and Chris Williamson explore data revealing concerning trends in campus attitudes toward free speech. The discussion examines how an increasing number of students support censorship of opposing viewpoints, with recent statistics showing a rise in the acceptance of using violence to stop campus speech and shouting down speakers with different views.
The conversation delves into how generational differences affect attitudes toward political violence, and how media portrayal can reduce public figures to ideological symbols rather than complex individuals. Smith and Williamson also examine the role of online communication in political discourse, noting how the absence of nonverbal cues in digital exchanges can lead to increased polarization and misunderstanding between different groups.
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Free Speech and Campus Discourse
Recent data reveals a concerning trend in campus attitudes toward free speech, with an increasing number of students supporting censorship of opposing viewpoints. The statistics are striking: 34% of US college students now support using violence to stop campus speech—a 10-point increase since 2021. Additionally, 71% of students consider it acceptable to shout down speakers they disagree with.
Political Polarization, Violence, and Extremism
Warren Smith discusses a generational divide in attitudes toward political violence, with 47% of Gen Z justifying violence for political goals compared to only 22% of Boomers. He expresses concern about young people justifying extreme actions by believing they're fighting true evil, citing recent examples like the threatening of Portland journalist Nick Shirley by Antifa members.
Chris Williamson points to evolving demographics among university professors as potentially influencing societal norms regarding acceptable behavior. The discussion reveals ongoing debates about the adequacy of existing frameworks for defining boundaries in political discourse.
Rhetoric, Media, and Narrative In Shaping Attitudes and Behavior
Smith and Williamson explore how media portrayal can reduce public figures to mere symbols rather than complex humans. They note that figures like Joe Biden and Jordan Peterson often face dehumanizing rhetoric that treats them as ideological representations rather than individuals.
The discussion examines how the current media landscape contributes to polarization. Williamson observes that inflammatory language often moves from left to right in what he calls a "purity spiral." Both speakers emphasize how online communication, lacking nonverbal cues, can lead to less meaningful exchanges and increased misunderstanding.
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Counterarguments
- The support for using violence to stop campus speech may be overstated or not representative of the broader student population, as surveys can sometimes have biases depending on how questions are framed or who chooses to respond.
- Shouting down speakers might be seen by some as a form of non-violent protest or civil disobedience rather than an attack on free speech, especially if the speakers are promoting ideas considered harmful or dangerous.
- The justification of violence for political goals by Gen Z could be contextualized by the unique social and political challenges they face, and not necessarily indicative of a broader acceptance of violence.
- The generational divide in attitudes toward political violence might reflect historical context and experiences rather than inherent differences in values or ethics between generations.
- The influence of university professors on societal norms could be complex and not solely responsible for shifts in behavior; other factors like social media, political leadership, and cultural changes also play significant roles.
- Debates about the adequacy of existing frameworks for political discourse might benefit from considering a wider range of perspectives, including those from different cultures, political systems, and historical periods.
- Media portrayal reducing public figures to symbols could be a reflection of the audience's desire for simplified narratives rather than an intentional dehumanizing strategy by the media.
- The idea of a "purity spiral" moving from left to right could be an oversimplification, as political rhetoric can escalate in many directions, and inflammatory language is not exclusive to any one political spectrum.
- Online communication's lack of nonverbal cues is a limitation of the medium, but it also allows for more deliberate and thoughtful exchanges that can be free from the biases introduced by physical appearance or presence.
Actionables
- You can foster constructive dialogue by initiating a book club with diverse viewpoints. Choose books that cover controversial or political topics and encourage members to discuss the content respectfully. This practice can help you understand complex human perspectives behind political symbols and reduce the tendency to dehumanize individuals based on their ideologies.
- Encourage empathy in online interactions by starting emails or social media posts with a personal anecdote or emotion. This humanizes the conversation and can lead to more meaningful exchanges, countering the lack of nonverbal cues in digital communication.
- Develop a habit of pausing before reacting to political statements by setting a personal rule to wait 24 hours before responding to content that triggers you. This self-imposed 'cooling-off' period allows you to research, reflect, and respond thoughtfully rather than impulsively, potentially reducing the spread of inflammatory language.
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Free Speech and Campus Discourse
Discussions reveal an alarming trend of intolerance to free speech on campuses, with an increasing number of students supporting extreme measures to censor opinions they disagree with.
Campus Culture Intolerant, Students Support Violence to Shut Down Speech
Recent statistics point towards a worrying tilt in campus culture, with a growing acceptance of violence as a tool to censor speech.
34% of US College Students, Up 10 Points From 2021, Support Violence to Stop Campus Speech
The percentage of students who support using violence to stop speech on campus has risen dramatically to 34%, marking a 10-point increase since 2021.
47% of Gen Z vs. 22% of Boomers Justify Violence for Political Goals
Generational differences in attitudes toward political violence are stark, with 47% of Gen Z believing it can be justified, compared to only 22% of Boomers.
38% of US College Students in 2025 Say Violence Is Acceptable to Stop Hate Speech; 71% Accept Shouting Down Speakers
The data from 2025 further illustrates a culture of intolerance, with 38% of US college students finding violence acceptable against what they categorize as hate speech. Moreover, an overwhelming majority of 71% see shouting down speakers as an acceptable action.
Rational Dialogue Is Vital but Often Lacking as Students Shut Down Challenging Conversations
The need for constructive conversation on challenging topics is acknowledged, but the current campus environment does not foster such discourse.
Controversial Topics on Gender Identity and Women's Safety Met With Refusal to Engage
Warren Smith illustrates his frustration with the inability to engage in rational dialogue about sensitive topics like gender identity and women's safety. He recounts an instance where he questioned the appropriate ...
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Free Speech and Campus Discourse
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Counterarguments
- The statistics may not represent the entire student body accurately, as they could be based on surveys with limited sample sizes or biased sampling methods.
- Support for extreme measures like violence may be overstated due to the polarizing effect of survey questions, which might not capture nuanced views.
- The rise in support for violence could reflect a broader societal trend rather than being specific to college campuses or generational attitudes.
- The perception of an intolerant campus culture might be influenced by high-profile incidents that don't reflect the everyday experiences of most students.
- The acceptance of shouting down speakers could be interpreted as a form of non-violent protest rather than an attempt to censor speech.
- The lack of diverse views on campus might be overstated, as there could be a variety of perspectives that are not as visible or vocal.
- Students may not actually refuse to engage in controversial topics but may seek to engage in ways that feel safe and respectful to them.
- The claim that rational dialogue is lacking may o ...
Actionables
- You can foster open dialogue by starting a book club focused on controversial topics. Choose books that delve into challenging subjects and create a safe space for discussion. For example, if gender identity is a topic that often gets avoided, select a well-regarded book on the subject and invite people from various backgrounds to discuss it. The key is to establish ground rules that promote respectful conversation and active listening.
- Encourage critical thinking by creating a 'perspective challenge' with friends or family. Each person researches a controversial topic from multiple viewpoints and presents their findings without disclosing which side they personally support. This exercise can help participants understand the complexity of issues and the importance of considering diverse perspectives before forming an opinion.
- Pro ...
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Political Polarization, Violence, and Extremism
Warren Smith tackles an alarming trend among the younger generation—the rising acceptance of political violence—and Chris Williamson weighs in on the contentious debates over what behavior society agrees to deem as unacceptable.
Support for Political Violence Rising Among Youth
Nearly Half of Gen Z Justifies Political Violence, Showing Generational Divide
Warren Smith expresses deep concern about young individuals justifying their actions with a belief that they’re combating true evil, to the extent that they become open to utilizing violence for political goals. This belief system creates a reality where "all bets are off," leading to loss of friendships and radical changes in behavior. Reports indicate that nearly 47% of Generation Z justify the use of violence for political goals, representing a stark generational divide.
Threats and Laser Targeting of Portland Journalist May Escalate
The theory of escalation is further exemplified as Warren Smith mentions recent instances of political violence and threats, including dangerous encounters faced by journalists. He discusses the chilling incident in Portland involving journalist Nick Shirley who received a death threat from an Antifa member. Adding to the seriousness of the situation, there were snipers on roofs targeting Shirley with laser sights, an action contributing to the de-escalation of the threat.
Difficulty Determining Acceptable vs. Unacceptable Behavior
Lack of Agreement on Hate Speech and Fascism Fuels Conflict
Chris Williamson sheds light on the evolving demographics among university professors and its potential impact on societal norms regarding acceptable behavior. This is hinted to be a possible instigator for the lack of consensus on the boundaries of hate speech and fascism, fueling conflict among varying groups.
The conversations suggest that the traditional boundaries of ...
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Political Polarization, Violence, and Extremism
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Counterarguments
- The statistic that nearly half of Generation Z justifies political violence could be misleading without context; it may not represent a true generational divide but rather a phase of youthful radicalism that could change as the generation ages.
- The incident involving the Portland journalist and Antifa could be an isolated event and not indicative of a broader trend toward violence among political activists.
- The lack of agreement on hate speech and fascism may not necessarily fuel conflict but could also be seen as a healthy part of democratic discourse where diverse opinions are debated.
- The re-evaluation of traditional boundaries by younger generations could be part of ...
Actionables
- You can foster constructive dialogue by starting a book club focused on political and social issues. Choose literature that spans various perspectives and encourages members to explore and discuss the motivations behind different viewpoints, which can lead to a deeper understanding of why some may feel justified in extreme actions. This can be a safe space to challenge ideas and promote empathy.
- Engage in active listening exercises with friends or family to practice understanding before responding. During conversations about contentious topics, focus on truly hearing what the other person is saying without immediately formulating a rebuttal. This can help bridge the generational divide and re-establish respect for traditional boundaries while acknowledging the need for their re-evaluation.
- Par ...
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Rhetoric, Media, and Narrative In Shaping Attitudes and Behavior
Warren Smith and Chris Williamson discuss the complex interactions between media narratives, the shaping of public opinion, and the treatment of public figures.
Narratives Shape Perceptions of Public Figures
Smith and Williamson delve into how the media's depiction of individuals can reduce them to mere symbols or ideological representations.
Individuals Seen As Symbols, Not Complex Humans
Williamson points out that public figures like Joe Biden and Jordan Peterson are often the targets of harsh rhetoric that strips them of their humanity. They are not seen as complex individuals, but as embodiments of certain ideologies or narratives, leading to a dehumanizing experience. Williamson expresses sadness for the human behind the public persona.
Can Lead To Uncommon Inflammatory and Vitriolic Rhetoric and Behavior
Smith and Williamson discuss the use of inflammatory language and extreme comparisons by the media to describe public figures, such as likening Jordan Peterson to the Marvel Comics villain Red Skull. They note that after a certain level of fame or exposure, public figures are no longer seen as humans but as characters in a story, which alters the way people engage with them. This, in turn, can lead people to behave towards these figures in ways they wouldn't behave toward an ordinary person.
Evolving Media and Rise of Online Discourse Amplifies Dynamics
The discussion examines how the current media landscape and online discourse contribute to and amplify these narratives and behaviors.
Media Incentivizes Sensationalism and Polarization, Normalizing Extreme Attitudes
Williamson and Smith observe that the media landscape, driven by sensationalism and polarization, often normalizes extreme attitudes and rhetoric. This is exacerbated in the online environment, where self-censorship among students, the changing demographics of university attendees and staff, and a narrow exposure to diverse views all contribute to polarization.
Smith, through his video content, seeks to illuminate issues found in university settings, showcasing how media can inform attitudes and discussions. He recalls the unsettling moment of Charlie Kirk's death and reflects on how online desensitization and the focus on content creation for sponsors can lead to a loss of awareness of real-world consequences.
Transparency and Information Access: Pros and Cons
They acknowledge the pros and cons of transparency and the accessibility of information through media. Smith criticizes the use of rhetorical terms like fascism without proper understanding, which he argues contributes to misconceptions and polarizing rhetoric.
Williamson notes a Thank ...
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Rhetoric, Media, and Narrative In Shaping Attitudes and Behavior
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Clarifications
- A "purity spiral" in the context of inflammatory language describes a phenomenon where individuals or groups within a particular ideological or political spectrum engage in escalating displays of moral purity or righteousness. This can lead to a competitive dynamic where each participant tries to outdo the others in demonstrating adherence to a perceived moral standard, often resulting in extreme or exaggerated expressions of outrage, condemnation, or virtue signaling. The term highlights how this cycle of increasing moral fervor can create a self-reinforcing pattern that pushes individuals to more extreme positions in an attempt to maintain or demonstrate their moral superiority within their group or community. This behavior can contribute to heightened polarization, intolerance of dissenting views, and a focus on ideological purity over nuanced discussion or understanding.
- Nonverbal communication in communication methods involves conveying messages without the use of words. It includes gestures, facial expressions, body language, tone of voice, and other nonverbal cues. These nonverbal signals can significantly impact how a message is interpreted and understood by the recipient. In digital communication, the absence of nonverbal cues can sometimes lead to misunderstandings or a lack of nuance in interactions.
- "Low resolution exchanges" in ...
Counterarguments
- Media narratives can also elevate public figures, granting them a platform to influence and enact change positively.
- Some argue that public figures, by virtue of their position, must be open to scrutiny and symbolic representation as part of their public role.
- Inflammatory language and extreme comparisons might sometimes be used to draw attention to genuine issues of public concern.
- The portrayal of public figures as characters in a story can be a tool for simplifying complex issues, making them more accessible to the general public.
- Online discourse also allows for diverse voices and perspectives that can counteract sensationalism and polarization.
- Sensationalism in media can be seen as a reflection of consumer demand; media outlets often give audiences what they want to see or read.
- The misuse of terms like fascism can be countered by educational efforts to improve public understanding of political concepts.
- Some argue that young people are more media-savvy than given credit for and can discern between online content and real-world violence.
- Escalation of narratives by the media can also lead to increased awareness and engagement with important social issues.
- The claim that inflammatory language often originates from the left and moves to the right is debatable and can be seen as an oversimplification of complex political dis ...
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