The Freedom to Offend
Suzan Odabasi
Issue date: 5/6/09 Section: Features
"What is freedom of expression?" one may ask. "Without the freedom to offend, it ceases to exist," says writer Salman Rushdie. What sounds like an idealist encouragement to promote free debate can fast turn into a mantra to express controversial opinions at all costs. On a campus of approximately 2,600 people, news travels fast-and so do offensive statements made somewhere in public. So how do we walk the fine line between free expression and offensive comments? How do we cherish our right to speak our minds and keep our friends at the same time?
"It all depends on audience and context," says Melanie Brown, assistant professor of English. In the academic context, she recommends reflecting on the true purpose of commenting on a controversial topic. "You have to ask yourself what you are trying to accomplish as the student who pushes people's perspectives. I hope that students can learn to voice their opinions without crossing people's boundaries." Brown acknowledges that, "when you voice your opinion people see a certain image of you. I appreciate students who are thoughtfully assertive and am especially pleased when students foster debate amongst themselves. It is my role to ensure that they do so respectfully."
Sr. Sally Ann Brickner, director of the Peace and Justice Center, chooses her battles wisely. In her role, she has helped the center advocate benefits for people in same-sex partnerships, despite her membership in the Catholic order of the Franciscan Sisters.
"Being a member of the religious community provides a person with opportunities, so does having an educational background," says Brickner.
However, she recalls occasions when not everybody liked the actions the center took to illustrate its views. In the spring of 2007, staff members tied blue ribbons around trees around campus to advocate peace in Iraq. The ribbons were cut down over night and left lying next to the trees.
But Brickner nonetheless thinks that she has the ability to be herself and to voice her opinions on this campus, while acknowledging that some people might not be experiencing that freedom.
"It all depends on audience and context," says Melanie Brown, assistant professor of English. In the academic context, she recommends reflecting on the true purpose of commenting on a controversial topic. "You have to ask yourself what you are trying to accomplish as the student who pushes people's perspectives. I hope that students can learn to voice their opinions without crossing people's boundaries." Brown acknowledges that, "when you voice your opinion people see a certain image of you. I appreciate students who are thoughtfully assertive and am especially pleased when students foster debate amongst themselves. It is my role to ensure that they do so respectfully."
Sr. Sally Ann Brickner, director of the Peace and Justice Center, chooses her battles wisely. In her role, she has helped the center advocate benefits for people in same-sex partnerships, despite her membership in the Catholic order of the Franciscan Sisters.
"Being a member of the religious community provides a person with opportunities, so does having an educational background," says Brickner.
However, she recalls occasions when not everybody liked the actions the center took to illustrate its views. In the spring of 2007, staff members tied blue ribbons around trees around campus to advocate peace in Iraq. The ribbons were cut down over night and left lying next to the trees.
But Brickner nonetheless thinks that she has the ability to be herself and to voice her opinions on this campus, while acknowledging that some people might not be experiencing that freedom.
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