A03
Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt’s views on trigger
warnings and PC culture are an interesting variant to the general opinion
floating around liberal circles. I completely agree with their comparison to
phobias and how exposure and not isolation is needed to start a better
conversation. It is so easy to shut other people out and sit in an echo chamber
of your own opinions instead of opening your mind to different viewpoints. I
also agree with their point that sometimes triggers to protect students detract
from the value of their education. Censoring rough topics only decreases the
ability to understand why they are sensitive topics. I am happy that campuses
like our own UC Davis are inclusive and offer resources exclusively for groups
that are otherwise ignored, but I think that sometimes the students can be
closed minded as they argue for freedom of speech. One part about the article
that struck me as unfortunate was the mention of comedians that refuse to
perform on college campuses because the students were too sensitive. I grew up
listening to comedians and the best ones to me were those like George Carlin,
who often used cusswords and dark topics to convey his messages, which were
actually thought provoking and true observations on humanity. I think people
are afraid to laugh at uncomfortable jokes that cross the line because they do
not want to be seen as a terrible person, even though what is said on stage and
who the person actually is are separate entities.
Question: Are there any topics that should be kept sacred? Is
there a real line that can be crossed or is it subjective?
References:
Lukianoff, G & Haidt, J. (2015, September). “The
Coddling of the American Mind.” The
Atlantic.
[Saturday Night Live]. (2016, November 20). The Bubble – SNL.
[Video File]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vKOb-kmOgpI.
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