Freedom of Expression: Deal With It Before You Are Censored

Lorimer’s “Deal With It” nonfiction series aims to arm youth with information to help navigate the tricky waters of interpersonal and social conflicts. Previous titles in the series include Gangs: Deal With It Before Wrong Seems Right, Anxiety: Deal With It Before It Ties You Up in Knots, and Transphobia: Deal With It and Be a Gender Transcender. The latest instalment, Freedom of Expression: Deal With It Before You Are Censored, sparks a discussion on what it means to have freedom of expression and explores the question of “Should there be limits to what people can say or do to express themselves?”

The book is organized into four sections, starting with “Freedom of Expression 101” which is a concise overview that defines rights, freedom of expression and censorship. The lively text spotlights real-life situations that young readers will be able to relate to, and the information is conveyed in a variety of visually engaging ways. For example, comic strip panels use a classroom setting to illustrate how “Freedom of expression can protect ” the sharing of differing opinions between students and the rights of students to peacefully protest and share their own artistic expressions. A quiz then presents 10 situations and prompts the reader to decide if the scenario illustrates “Censorship or Not?”: “You are caught writing “Black Lives Matter” in the washroom. The teacher makes you wash the graffiti from the wall.” The brief explanation is provided for reflection: “Not censorship. You don’t get to vandalize school property.” A double-page spread entitled “Dear Conflict Counsellor” continues the conversation with thought-provoking questions and answers that further explore how the right to freedom of expression does have limitations. A “Myths” page debunks such generalized statements as “I can say anything I want to. There are many reasons why certain kinds of expression are not allowed. For example, you can’t shout “Fire!” in a crowded theatre – unless there really IS a fire, of course! That’s because it could cause a stampede and people could get hurt.”

The succeeding sections follow a similar, interactive presentation style, but from the viewpoints of “The Censor”, “The Speechmaker” and “The Witness.” Some sections have a less nuanced approach, and at times, paint fairly one-dimensional standpoints. Agreeing with the statement, “No one seems as nice as you or has the same good taste you have”, seems to categorize you as “The Censor”. I would describe that as possibly being disagreeable, but not necessarily an act of censorship. There is also a quiz asking, “Are you a control freak?” The “Speechmaker” is depicted as someone who says “what you want, whenever you want” and may not know “where and when to draw the line.” The “Witness” takes the most balanced approach and explores the dilemma of not wanting to “restrain rights” but also striving to fight against racist, sexist, homophobic, transphobic or prejudiced remarks.

The author of Freedom of Expression: Deal With It Before You Are Censored, Danielle McLaughlin, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to this complicated topic. A former Director of Education for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association and Education Trust, she is also a regular blogger about education and civil liberties at the HuffingtonPost.ca. A list of helping organizations (like Justice for Children and Youth, Anti-hate Hotline and LBGT Youth Line), and recommended websites and books are provided at the end for further reading. Encouraging critical thinking and self-reflection, this useful resource stresses, “Whatever you choose to do or say, remember that your safety and that of others is most important.”