A discussion about freedom of speech, freedom of thought, the Black Lives Matter movement, and the cancel culture with Professors Robert George of Princeton and Cornel West of Union Theological Seminary:
In the aftermath of George Floyd’s killing, the country is re-examining fundamental aspects both of our society and how we talk about changing it. In order to undertake that examination in a spirit of honesty and free inquiry, one view holds that participants need to feel free from the danger, and sometimes, as we have seen, the reality, of punishment or intimidation for taking an unpopular point of view. Those holding this view are concerned that we seem to be entering an era of enforced conformity to a new norm—that America is systemically racist, and that a failure to accept and acknowledge this fact is disqualifying from having a place in academia, in public life, or even in the private sector. They are concerned that the radical changes being called for ignore the pillars of the successful American experiment that ultimately led from slavery to the outlawing of racial segregation, and that these changes will do grave harm both to American society as a whole and to the radical changes’ intended beneficiaries.
On the other hand, some believe that our society is so inherently degraded by racism that a fundamental change is justified from the old ways of how we have felt we can think and speak about these issues. The thought is that the traditional notions of free speech and free thought are themselves devices that support oppression, and inevitably are employed to prop up established practices and ways of thinking that have created, and perpetuate, racial inequity. This view holds that those who have been harmed by racism are only further harmed by a so-called “balanced” discussion of their grievances.
Professors George and West address whether both society and the ways in which we can discuss its virtues and its deficiencies, are in need of fundamental change. Book A Civil Discourse for your organization at Speakers.com today!
CORNEL WEST & ROBERT GEORGE SPEAKING VIDEOS:
Cornel West & Robert George | Firing Line with Margaret Hoover | PBS
Robert P. George & Cornel West in Conversation
RECENT TESTIMONIAL
The event was spectacular! Professors West and George are pure magic together – we were all mesmerized the minute they sat in their comfy chairs and began to speak. Every campus should have the pleasure of hosting these two amazing professors – they were so very gracious. We didn’t want them to leave us. It was by far one of the most awe-inspiring and thought-provoking discussion we have had at SRU in a very, very long time. And, it was so incredible to have them here LIVE!!! So worth the wait and extra effort!! Please thank your wonderful staff for working with us on this very special event.
–Slippery Rock University
