I am writing to express my concern for your publication’s emphasis on civility over content.
Free speech is necessary for a democracy to function, and it is not always civil. People express themselves in different ways; some are passionate and intense while others are calm and controlled. Imposing rules on how people express themselves can constrain free speech; the message is more important than the manner.
Movements like those to end slavery, secure civil and women’s rights, required difficult discussions and would not have succeeded if civility was the main concern.
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I am anchor
Stover: Concerns regarding civility
Posted
I am writing to express my concern for your publication’s emphasis on civility over content.
Free speech is necessary for a democracy to function, and it is not always civil. People express themselves in different ways; some are passionate and intense while others are calm and controlled. Imposing rules on how people express themselves can constrain free speech; the message is more important than the manner.
Movements like those to end slavery, secure civil and women’s rights, required difficult discussions and would not have succeeded if civility was the main concern.
Our communities are diverse and imposing the civility standards, decided on by a few, will exclude some from expressing themselves. We should consider substance over presentation.
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