I found it interesting hearing both sides of the topic, however, I personally believe that "safe places'" shouldn't exist. I feel like the need to "shelter" people from being offended is kinda ridiculous. The First Amendment gives the right to freedom of speech, and that right seems to be restricted at these "safe places." I absolutely don't encourage any kind of hateful or indecent speech, but to ignore issues going on in the world just because it offends you, seems childish to me. Despite these "safe places," it's hard to believe that whatever they are escaping from they haven't already see or heard via social media and/or television.
The podcast gives examples of different contexts including:
Social- Interaction between those involved in "safe places"
Cultural- Discusses racial issues
Physiological- Feelings and thoughts provoked by "offensive material"
While I agree sheltering people from the hateful speech doesn't solve the problem — it just avoids it — there is something to having a place where people can feel safe. I was often bullied in elementary school, and it was a relief knowing that whatever happened to me at school, I could always return to my safe place at home. What about the kids whose home isn't a "safe place," or the hate, misogyny, and "microaggressions" is all around them constantly. Is it really too much to ask for these people to have a place to go where they aren't judged or stared at? It doesn't even have to be forced. Just to have a "safe space" on campus at a place like the multicultural and inclusion center where the only people who go to these places are people who can support each other can be valuable. The kinds of people who would judge people like that wouldn't go to these "safe places," not because they weren't allowed, but because they had no need. I just think before we dismiss the idea of safe places because they "coddle" people out of reality, it's important to understand why they need places like this. Life doesn't have to be a fight all the time, and "safe spaces" where people don't have to worry about hate or judgement is not only beneficial, it's a basic human right.
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