The Left needs to stand up for free speech
JVL Introduction
Here Talal Hangari highlights the way in which the right wing appears to have taken the lead on the fight for free speech; however, this is not so that there can, for example, be free speech on Israel and Palestine, let alone to try to curb government authority or support the right to protest. Hangari’s harsh and detailed criticism of the right wing Free Speech Union is spot on but he also notes that the left is failing too, not least because it has mainly championed free speech for those with whom they (we) agree. JVL welcomes Hangari’s piece and rallying cry: “The socialist left should support the right to express opinions that it hates. It should be prepared to support this right not just in cases of attacks on liberties by the state, but in society generally.”
LL
This article was originally published by Labour Hub on Sat 2 Sep 2023. Read the original here.
Free Speech Frauds
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I thoroughly agree with you, Talal. We need a movement that supports free speech for all, not just for ourselves. At the same time, we need to expose how big money is able to amplify selected narratives at the expense of others – thinking of the Tufton Street mafia and such phenomena.
In Feb 2021, I wrote to Toby Young asking him speak up about the Government hypocrisy in pressing for free speech while threatening defunding of Universities that do not sign the IHRA. He went as far as recognising the problem, but would not speak up – which is hardly surprising given the people he is working with in FSU.
Agreed wholeheartedly. And I’ve been disappointed that some of the new liberation upsurges seem to feel so insecure that they too fear debate and discussion. Perhaps this is one place where older activists, who reached our progressive views before the advent of social media, can be helpful by creating spaces where different positions can talk together. I would welcome this.
Good stuff, but J.S.Mill’s statement pointing out that arguing in defence of our principles and views against whatever opponent strengthens our grasp and understanding of what we believe is more comprehensive. Btw, the so-called FSU is more reactionary than conservative…
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie speaks very powerfully for complete freedom of speech ‘even when it doesn’t suit our own agenda’ in this Reith lecture.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m001fmtz?partner=uk.co.bbc&origin=share-mobile