A Time When I Challenged an Ideology
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On college campuses across the continent the entitlement generation continues to “build a wall” against open discussion, diverse opinions, and bottom line free speech.
The only thing that I have recently challenged someone about of any significance is the entitlement generations “safe spaces” policies. Many of the students whom advocate for these safe spaces, are usually of the liberal persuasion and believe that that the campus should cater to the students needs above curriculum and in my opinion, common sense.
Earlier this year, Princeton University announced the implementation of “safe spaces” throughout the campus. The students want a place where they can be themselves and not have to deal with microaggressions or trigger words that could leave them in distress. This is no doubt a direct attack on our First Amendment right to free speech. On an opposing note, the University of Chicago Dean of Students issued out a letter to all incoming freshmen with the notable quote:
Our commitment to academic freedom means that we do not support so called ‘trigger warnings,’ we do not cancel invited speakers because their topics might prove controversial, and we do not condone the creation of intellectual ‘safe spaces’ where individuals can retreat from ideas and perspectives at odds with their own. (Dr. John Ellison)
In another instance, the president of Oklahoma University, Everett Piper made the bold statement of “This is not a day care. This is a university!” The motion towards “shame culture,” in which students are shamed and/ or ridiculed for voicing their opinions on sensitive topics will be the degradation of the country’s higher educational system.
The fact of the matter is that there are no safe spaces in the real world. There is no real reason to get so upset over someone who challenges someone else’s beliefs, ideals, and opinions.
If I ever had to, I would most certainly defend this claim again and again for as long as I can.