Advantage Quote by Edward Alsworth Ross
“During the last dozen years the tales of suppression of free assemblage, free press, and free speech, by local authorities or the State operating under martial law have been so numerous as to have become an old story. They are attacked at the instigation of an economically and socially powerful class, itself enjoying to the full the advantages of free communications, but bent on denying them to the class it holds within its power.”
About This Quote
Source Speech: Public address on civil liberties, early 20th century, United States
Suppression of assembly, press, and speech is widespread, especially when powerful elites benefit from free communication but deny it to those they control.
In simple terms: Powerful groups limit freedoms for those they dominate.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and protect free communication for all.
Themes
freedom
power
control
media
politics
Mood
concerned
critical
defensive
Type
political
social
philosophical
When to use this quote
- activism
- journalism
- community organizing
- legal reform
Key Concepts
authoritarianism
elite dominance
civil rights
Questions to Reflect On
- Who benefits from restricting free speech?
- How can societies ensure equal communication rights?
A Different Perspective
Even powerful classes may resist granting freedoms to maintain control.
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