Good Quote by Mary Katharine Ham
“The world has a rich tradition of leaders who fancy themselves smart enough to determine what the people should and shouldn't hear, and crack down on unpopular or minority positions or people for society's 'good.' This is not an innovation of modern college campuses.”
About This Quote
Source Essay: The New York Times, 2020
The quote warns that controlling speech for “society’s good” is an old tactic, not unique to modern campuses, highlighting a pattern of suppressing dissent.
In simple terms: Suppressing dissent isn’t new.
Guard against censorship and protect diverse voices.
Themes
Mood
Type
When to use this quote
- academic debates
- media regulation
- government policy
- activism
Key Concepts
Questions to Reflect On
- What safeguards protect free speech?
- When is regulation justified?
Balancing safety and freedom is complex.