Category Archives: Podcasts

College Campus: Breeding Ground of Censorship?

There is often the discussion about free speech on many college campuses and if students are able to speak their minds.  Classrooms and quads paint the picture of “safe zones,” environments that allow students to be free from backlash or retaliation from a differing opinion.  However, there seems to be a blurred perception of what is actually offensive or just taken out of context.  The question that presents itself is where and when can students speak there opinion.

The Advent of the “Free Speech Zone”

Colleges across the country, such as Longwood University, found it necessary to create a “free speech zone” on campus.  This was the space students could use to speak their mind, speak their beliefs, and protest their opposition.  Does this mean classrooms, essays, and blog posts are off limits and the student must conform to the majorities opinion, which could vary depending on the professor.  Greg Lukianoff, in his article in the Huffington Post puts it this way, “…It’s actually a backwards way of saying that more than 99 percent of that campus is a ‘censorship zone’.”

From experience, these zones become less about students speaking their mind and more about radical local organizations condemning the actions and beliefs of Generation Y.  Recently the Commonwealth of Virginia just passed legislation banning the so called “free speech zones.”  The Foundation of Individual Rights in Education (FIRE) commended Governor McAuliffe for the passing of the bill.  FIRE supports the passing of the bill because it no longer limits student debate to a single space.  This is eye opening, especially to students, but it brings about another question: Will students speak up?

Speaking Comfortably, Questionable

Although students are free to speak their mind anywhere on campus, as long as it remains civil and peaceful, as Justin Pope, the Longwood University President’s Chief of Staff stated in the podcast above, does this mean they will?  There is a common problem with this on campuses: nearly everything today can be deemed offensive to someone somewhere.  Wendy Kaminer with the Washington Post discusses situations where content in literature used in class discussion was used as ammunition for hate speech.  An instance that made the news this month at Binn College in Texas has raised some eyebrows as well.  B. Christopher Agee, with the Western Journal, reported that Nicole Sanders, a student at Blinn, was recruiting students for her conservative group on campus.  Sanders was approached by Sherri Rich, the Student Leadership and Activities assistant, and asked Sanders to vacate the “free speech zone.”  With classic literature brought into question for content and students shut down in the so called “free speech zones” for recruitment, how are students supposed to speak on controversial issues plaguing the world with their professors?

On paper, colleges are proponents of freedom of speech and expression. However, is this truly the case?  This post and podcast above have presented listeners and readers with a discussion regarding students comfort level with stating their opinions (this is not including speech which is used to blatantly harm anyone).  The issue becomes what is suitable to debate because it seems anything can be taken the wrong way.

With this, we pose these questions to you: Are campuses becoming a hot zone for political correctness, or are they riding the line between free speech and protecting students?  Let us know in the comment section your thoughts and experiences with free speech on college campuses and if you feel it comes off as a facade or a true freedom.

Also, post your comments and thoughs on the Facebook at Longwood University Communication Studies and Twitter @LU_COMM.

Remember, we are Comm studies, and this is what we do.

 

The Essence of Free Speech

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.” – The Constitution of the United States

This is a powerful statement developed by the Founding Father of the United States.  This is the major foundation for the professions of journalism and public relations; however, we pose the question: How free are we to speak what is on our mind?  The belief that we are able to speak our truths free with no repercussions seems idealistic.  But as Scott Bacon claimed in the podcast above, “There are legitimate arguments for and against, depending on the scenario but…in general it’s obviously one of the bedrocks of this country.”  However, today there are ever rising questions about the full extent to which we are able to speak our minds.

Defamation

Freedom of Speech allows us to communicate our ideas without the threat of being persecuted if someone disagrees.  However, as pointed out in the podcast above, there are multiple grey areas that exist, such as malicious intent as Scott Bacon claimed.  There are a multitude of instances where men and women use freedom of speech to bring down other individuals, but that does not mean it is against the law.  For example, the groundbreaking case of New York Times v. Sullivan, the Supreme Court created the malice standard.  The malice standard is a set of criteria that an article of the press must possess before it can be deemed actual malice and defamation. This means there is some leeway with words before they can be considered defaming or intended for malicious purposes.  This does not mean that your publics, or target, will appreciate what you have said, it just means that you cannot be legally prosecuted.  These are instances in the United States in which free speech has run into question, however, international acceptance of freedom of speech is a much different, and at times troubling, story.

International Acceptance?

The idea of freedom of speech is by no means an international standard.  Violence has, at times, erupted in other countries on the varying interpretations of freedom of speech. Recently, there was an attack on the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo in France.  According to Cristina Silva with the International Business Times, the magazine is known for pushing, yet remaining within, the limits of freedom of speech/expression with their cartoons of the Prophet Mohammad.  The attack was orchestrated and carried out by a group of individuals who were offended at, what they believed to be, sacrilegious depictions of their Prophet.  Yet this is not the first time in history where a group of individuals took offense to someones published opinion.

Salman Rushdie published a novel called “The Satanic Verses,” which angered the Muslim community.  The controversy brought about multiple attacks; and, according to Todd Green with the Huffinton Post, Rushdie was placed under a fatwa, or sentenced to death.  Rushdie, for his work of fiction was forced into hiding to avoid death.  Even though many countries recognize the freedom of opinion and the ability to freely state that opinion, there are still many who will deem an opinion unfit for the public and attempt to silence.

Where do We Stand?

Freedom of speech is a human right, however, we have discussed this issue on a federal and global scale, but how does this right hold up on a college campus?  We will explore this issue and examine how the idea of freedom of speech on a college campus holds up in comparison to what we explored today.

This issue is a critical one, and it constantly under the microscope.  However, it is up to us to never allow ourselves to be silenced simply because have a differing opinion. We must self regulate and respect the men and women surrounding us.  Do not use your freedom to offend, oppress or harm.  Instead, use your words to enlighten, inform and protect, for if we are able to do this, our freedom will continue to exist.

Lastly, we would like to send our thanks to Scott Bacon for taking the time to participate in this conversation, and remember to leave your comments or questions regarding this topic in the comments section.

We are comm studies, and this is what we do.

Free Speech Podcast Series – Intro


In the wake of the Charlie Hebdo tragedy, the issue of freedom of speech is finding its way into many conversations.  The goal of this Freedom of Speech podcast series is to strike up a dialogue that will make you think about and dive deeper into what the 1st Amendment entails.

Freedom of speech is critical to our daily lives, but how much are we able to say?  Are college campuses free speech breeding grounds or do they just portray an illusion?  Is it ethical to be silent or silenced?  These are some questions we will dive into, and we hope you join us in the conversation.

We are COMM Studies, and this is what we do!

#PersonalBranding: Managing Your Image Online

Any of these social media outlets could be your best friend, or your worst enemy if not used properly

Any of these social media outlets could be your best friend, or your worst enemy if not used properly

Who are you?  More like, who do people think you are?  You may think that everyone believes you are dedicated hard-working college student.  Which could be the truth but that picture of you buried under a mound of beer bottles with the caption #collegelife doesn’t say hard working, or dedicated.  Social media is a critical tool in building your personal brand, a brand that will follow throughout your higher education and into your professional career.  Beware; this post may cause you to panic and frantically delete the latest “BAR NIGHT!! LGFU” post, but I promise it is for the best.  Here are three ways to build your personal brand using Social Media, which could lead to a very successful future.

If it Could Get You Fired, it Won’t Get You Hired

An example of what NOT to post to your social media

An example of what NOT to post to your social media

Now, I’m not an advocate for censorship, but when it comes to Social Media content, personal censorship is necessary.  The University of Auckland puts this perfectly “Think carefully and critically about how what you say or do will be perceived by others and act with appropriate restraint in online communications.”  There are times we all want to rant about a peer, or professor for that matter, and we launch our attack on every Social Media outlet we have.  If you described your boss as (insert insult) online, you will really think that after they fire you.  Associate Professor of Communication Studies at Longwood University Jeff Halliday in the Podcast above, emphasizes the point that just one mistake on Social Media could prevent you from obtaining that dream job.  Remember, before you deleted it, someone saw it. Keep that in mind when you post on your Social Media.  “No one likes, hires, or promotes a whiner,” states Business2Community.  Maintain a positive presence, and your future employer, and followers, will respect your optimism.

Keep it Relevant

Keep this in the back of your mind when developing your personal brand!

Keep this in the back of your mind when developing your personal brand!

What do you want to do for a living?  If you an interest in a potential profession, display this on you Social Media outlets.  Show potential employers you live and breath this profession!  Yes, your 25 posts about how wonderful your “honey bear” is are great, but your employers probably don’t care.  Show them what they want to see.  Hypothetically, if you are interested in Public Relations, let professionals see that the majority of Twitter users you follow are PR news sources and news sources in general.  Retweet and post on Facebook your favorite articles or research on a topic you are interested in.  On the other hand, your social media does not have to be strictly about an academic/career interest.  You can utilize your social media to display ANY interest you have.  For example, if you have an interest in celebrity new, like Longwood Communication Studies major Heather Turner, show this off as well! Keeping your social media relevant to whatever your interests are will not only show potential employers you have interests, but that you know how to discuss them in an effective and thought provoking manner.

Create a LinkedIn Account

Lastly, there is the ultimate professional networking tool at your fingertips:  LinkedIn.  No, this is not the best place to find out dirt on your lab partner, but it is a hot zone for references and online connections with professionals.  Forbes Magazine explains how you should use this to showcase your experience in your respected field.  Let’s be honest, your resume can only say so much, so this is your opportunity to show potential employers everything your resume can’t.  However, just like your other Social Media outlets, you must have a strategy.  The Business Insider explains how one the greatest mistakes people make on Social Media is lack of strategy.  Dr. Alec Hosterman, Associate Professor of Communication Studies at Longwood University states in the Podcast above that you should have a consistent brand across all of your Social Media, and LinkedIn is no different.  LinkedIn is a chance for you to build relationships with industry professionals.  Use this wisely.  Prove to them you are different than other potential candidates.

In conclusion, although the pictures of your weekend bash were pretty crazy, that’s not the professional label employers are looking for.  Use your Social Media to display your personal ideas and thoughts, just keep them controlled and respectful.  Use them as a tool to market yourself and your expertise.  This does not mean you shouldn’t post the pictures from the family reunion, just ask yourself “what does this say about me?”  If you keep all of this in mind, I have not doubt that you will be viewed exactly how you want to be online.