What are safe spaces? Safe spaces for students at universities have created severe limitations
on ideas and speech. These safe spaces exist to surround ourselves with
supportive, like-minded individuals. The problem with these zones is they
develop a group mentality that feeds off of one another. On a personal level,
you are having your like-minded ideas reinforced on a regular basis. This may
lead to someone believing so firmly in his or her ideas, that any other idea may
be quickly dismissed. Out of these groups comes ways to invalidate another who
disagrees perspective. Micro-aggressions, trigger words and cultural
appropriation allow students to impose their own meaning to any situation. For
example, a student may accuse another of triggering through micro-aggression,
which puts the accused at risk of violating school policy. These terms are very
vague and can be used on a whim to ease any sort of discomfort you may be
feeling.
Should campuses implement safe spaces for it's students? Not all universities have such policies, but some are creating safe
spaces for students to retreat from ideas counter to their own. Instead of
debate, students protecting their safe-space engage in tactics to silence
thought outside of their space. Professors and university presidents have
recently been on the receiving end of outlandish protest by students with
opposing views. Speakers have not been allowed to express their views on campus
to protect student’s safe-spaces. All views are not valid, but we must allow
people to speak freely, it is the most important right that exists in our
society. Not allowing views to be openly debated and discussed will not create
a safer environment, it will only slow innovation, communication and limit our
freedom. While this may not be the intention of most seeking safe spaces,
realizing that opposing discussions are critical to strengthening our ideas. Free
speech is the foundation of all rights, capable of advancing our species toward a
more perfect planet.
Vandalism during rioting at U.C. Berkeley.
Property damage in downtown Berkeley after the Milo event was canceled.2017. Berkeley. Http://www.berkeleyside.com. Web. 4 Apr. 2017.
Hello Patrick,
ReplyDeleteI think you are brave to blog about this topic. I don’t know who coined the term “echo chamber” yet it came to mind while I read your post. I see the same thing taking place on Facebook which is frustrating. I am an online student and rarely visit my campus. I will not be able to complete my degree online so I will eventually need to take classes on campus. I appreciate the opportunity to learn more about “safe spaces.” I have never heard the term “micro-aggression” which is scary to think about accidentally triggering someone else and having to pay the consequences. Who decides what is appropriate speech and what is not? Common courtesy and respect without vulgarity is how I decide what comes out of my mouth. I was saddened to watch the news when university presidents and professors had to deal with the protests and rioting happening on their campuses because a certain speaker was invited. When they arrived they were threatened by a mob and chose to leave. I would too! Are students walking on egg shells because of this or do they just shut down and not engage in open conversations? I agree, how can we stretch our thinking in a climate like this? If we were all honest with ourselves, nobody agrees 100% with someone else. That’s what makes us individuals and unique. I am looking forward to following your blog posts on this topic.
Hi Patrick, I am really excited to get to read on this subject. I think you are really great to be putting your option out on this matter because a lot of people would be to scared to state their option I do agree freedom of speech is becoming more limted because just because we are intited to this does it mean we actually get it? Now days if you say something wrong you could get in a lot of trouble if the opposite party does not agree. I would just add more to your research but besides that I think you have a good strong topic.
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