Let’s get real about free speech

In his TED Talk “Let’s Get Real About Free Speech,” Greg Lukianoff warns against the growing trend of “mob censorship,” where groups attempt to silence viewpoints they dislike instead of engaging with them through dialogue. Using a recent incident at UC Berkeley—where students forcibly shut down a pro-Israel event—as an example, he argues that such actions undermine the very foundation of free expression. Lukianoff outlines four key reasons why free speech is essential: it makes society safer by encouraging open discussion over violence, it helps resolve conflicts peacefully, it protects marginalized voices who may challenge those in power, and it acknowledges that even individuals with flawed or controversial views can sometimes offer valuable insights. His talk urges people to defend free speech consistently, even for opinions they strongly oppose, because it is the cornerstone of a healthy, resilient, and democratic society.
https://www.ted.com/talks/greg_lukianoff_let_s_get_real_about_free_speech?utm_campaign=tedspread&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=tedcomshare