Free speech : and why you should give a damn / Jonathan Zimmerman ; cartoons by Signe Wilkinson.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Zimmerman, Jonathan, 1961- author.

Contributor:

Wilkinson, Signe, 1950- illustrator.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Freedom of speech--United States.

Freedom of speech.

Censorship.

History.

United States.

Censorship--United States--History.

United States. Constitution--1st Amendment.

Constitution (United States).

Genre:

History.

Physical Description:

xv, 99 pages : illustrations (chiefly color) ; 19 cm

Place of Publication:

Buffalo, New York : New Idea Press, a City of Light imprint, [2021]

Summary:

"In America we like to think we live in a land of liberty, where everyone can say whatever they want. Throughout our history, however, we have also been quick to censor people who offend or frighten us. We talk a good game about freedom of speech, then we turn around and deny it to others. In this brief but bracing book, historian Jonathan Zimmerman and Pulitzer Prize-winning political cartoonist Signe Wilkinson tell the story of free speech in America: who established it, who has denounced it, and who has risen to its defense. They also make the case for why we should care about it today, when free speech is once again under attack. Across the political spectrum, Americans have demanded the suppression of ideas and images that allegedly threaten our nation. But the biggest danger to America comes not from speech but from censorship, which prevents us from freely governing ourselves. Free speech allows us to criticize our leaders. It lets us consume the art, film, and literature we prefer. And, perhaps most importantly, it allows minorities to challenge the oppression they suffer. Free speech has too often been cast as the enemy of social justice, but that view is belied by our history. Disadvantaged Americans have consistently used free speech to defy the powerful. The only way to make a more just and equitable America is to allow every American to have their say"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

Machine generated contents note: 1. Free Speech Allows Us to Criticize Our Leaders

2. Free Speech Allows Racial Minorities, Women, S LGBTO and Working-class Americans to Challenge Their Oppression

3. Free Speech Allows Us to Create and Enjoy the Art, Film, and Literature of Our Choice

4. Free Speech Allows Students and Teachers to Speak Their Minds at School

5. Afterword: Free Speech in the Age of COVID-19 and Black Lives Matter.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index.

Other Format:

Online version: Zimmerman, Jonathan, 1961- Free speech

ISBN:

9781952536106

1952536103

OCLC:

1179272040

Publisher Number:

99987051298