1994 Quote by Christopher Hitchens
““To take a side against Rushdie, or to be neutral and evasive about him in the name of some vaguely sensitive ecumenical conscience, is to stand against those who try to incubate a Reformation in the Muslim world.””
About This Quote
Source Speech: Interview on Salman Rushdie, 2005
Defending free expression means opposing both outright attacks and passive neutrality toward controversial figures.
In simple terms: Support free speech, reject both hostility and indifference.
Key Takeaway
Speak up, avoid silent complicity.
Themes
free speech
religion
censorship
Mood
defiant
critical
Type
political
ethical
When to use this quote
- journalism
- academic debate
- public policy
- activism
Key Concepts
human rights
political discourse
Questions to Reflect On
- How does neutrality affect those under threat?
- When is silence a form of endorsement?
A Different Perspective
Silence can enable oppression as well as aggression.
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