Like what you've read?

On Line Opinion is the only Australian site where you get all sides of the story. We don't
charge, but we need your support. Here�s how you can help.

  • Advertise

    We have a monthly audience of 70,000 and advertising packages from $200 a month.

  • Volunteer

    We always need commissioning editors and sub-editors.

  • Contribute

    Got something to say? Submit an essay.


 The National Forum   Donate   Your Account   On Line Opinion   Forum   Blogs   Polling   About   
On Line Opinion logo ON LINE OPINION - Australia's e-journal of social and political debate

Subscribe!
Subscribe





On Line Opinion is a not-for-profit publication and relies on the generosity of its sponsors, editors and contributors. If you would like to help, contact us.
___________

Syndicate
RSS/XML


RSS 2.0

Good intentions and bad ideas fail a generation

By Ashley Humphrey - posted Tuesday, 25 August 2020


In addition to this research, Lukianoff and Haidt provide some anecdotal accounts of how these issues have become highly problematic in academic spaces, accounts that if taken purely on the evidence they present, appear quite troubling.

These narratives include stories of professors losing their jobs over seemingly misconstrued statements or ideas as well as the cancelation of public lectures due to students protesting against either the topics being delivered, or the political persuasions of the speakers themselves.

Most troublingly, the authors also share examples of seemingly bizarre parenting and teaching practices aimed at pre-adolescent children, that have tried so hard to eliminate risk they have left children prone to dysfunctional notions of 'safetyism'. These methods they suggest can have longer term consequences, leaving the impressions of highly fragile and anxious young adults.

Advertisement

Falling into the bracket of their second Great Untruth: "The Untruth of Us Versus Them", these anecdotal narratives are provided to show the damaging effects of a society eager to call out anything they deem offensive or unfair.

This is a reaction the authors state should be actioned when it comes to social issues that are clearly discriminatory, however they argue the current context see's people vehemently call out any idea that may not fit with their world view as "damaging" and "unsafe". This movement they claim has given rise to a mass hysteria specific to any ideas that are even remotely controversial, with the consequences of this a quelling of academic free speech and the dulling down of academic debate.

On a whole the book raises some significant and thought provoking points. It is agreeable to think that academics and students alike should not be afraid to express ideas in the pursuit of trying to create better societies. In this respect, Lukianoff and Haidt's insights on the dangers of creating habits of "moral dependency" are important, and the sentiments shared in the concluding chapters of the book seems highly reasonable: "Keep young people safe, but not too safe".

Such an idea exists as the core take away message from the book, with this aim elaborated upon by a series of recommendations for making positive change around these issues, inclusive of developing more resilient young people, and "wiser" universities.

  1. Pages:
  2. 1
  3. Page 2
  4. All


Discuss in our Forums

See what other readers are saying about this article!

Click here to read & post comments.

6 posts so far.

Share this:
reddit this reddit thisbookmark with del.icio.us Del.icio.usdigg thisseed newsvineSeed NewsvineStumbleUpon StumbleUponsubmit to propellerkwoff it

About the Author

Ashley Humphrey is a research psychologist and lecturer at Federation University, as well as CEO of the JET Network, an organisation that delivers seminars addressing the topic of values and mental health to thousands of young people every year.

Other articles by this Author

All articles by Ashley Humphrey

Creative Commons LicenseThis work is licensed under a Creative Commons License.

Photo of Ashley Humphrey
Article Tools
Comment 6 comments
Print Printable version
Subscribe Subscribe
Email Email a friend
Advertisement

About Us Search Discuss Feedback Legals Privacy