How the Coddling of the American Mind is Destroying Free Speech & Public Discourse

Our founding fathers came from extremely different backgrounds, economies and political beliefs, yet they were able assemble a Constitutional Convention and wrap the Colonies in a set of ideals that bound us together in a common Constitution. This motley alliance enabled the United States to have just enough federal power to protect the young nation against adversaries but also usher in the greatest amount of freedom humans have ever enjoyed, despite their massive differences.

Today it appears that most people who strongly identify with their political parties, are unable to speak with the opposing side and those with oppositional points of view.

Why at this moment in history are we finding less tolerance for diversity of ideas and opinions than ever before? Why are we finding that on college campuses groups fighting to shut down speakers who they oppose? And why do so many people on opposing political sides believe that the members of the opposite party are simply "ingnorant, stupid or shi*heads" (insert any pejorative commonly used on discussion forums).

We find some excellent answers to these questions from a book entitled "The Coddling of the American Mind" by Greg Lukianoff and Jonathan Haidt. In this book we learn that iGen students in college today have been taught not to honor and respect those with opposing points of view, but that students need to "safe" in an environment where they cannot be exposed to ideas that might be labeled as "toxic" or more recently "Trumpist" --- These blanket statements allow professors, and sometimes parents to create a myopic view of the world where students are not having their world-views or the world-views of their parents or professors challenged. And where half of the citizens of the United States are among “the basket of deplorables”. (as Hillary Clinton stated in the 2008 presidential election).

This leaves these students ill-prepared for the real world or entry level positions where they will more likely be exposed to differing points of view. Some are actually calling for a “peaceful divorse” if not an all out Civil War to divide separate our country. This is a ridiculous assertion, and would certainly make the United States a fallen empire, unable to manage the rising threats that will inevitably challenge our freedom.

In this episode we also examine a term called "both siderism" which is a growing sentiment on the left that believes it is now "pointless" to listen to opposing points of view. In our estimation if we deem only one side to be completely true, accurate and the correct way, we are setting a stage for an authoritarian government to be established with the abolishment of free speech.

Believe we are wrong? We would love to hear from you.