Regarding the ongoing assault on Gaza by Israel, it is crucial to acknowledge the devastating consequences it has had on the education system in the region. All schools and universities have been forced to close, and many of these institutions have been completely destroyed. Furthermore, Israel has the ability to control and cut off communication channels, including the Internet, at any given moment. The situation has been exacerbated by the targeting and killing of more than 100 journalists, suggesting a deliberate silencing of voices. This is in addition to the tens of thousands of Palestinians who have lost their lives due to Israeli bombings.
In the United States, the debate surrounding the appropriate response to the crisis often obscures the material reality faced by Palestinians in Gaza. While liberal organizations and universities engage in discussions regarding street protests, cultural boycotts, and campus occupations, the focus tends to veer towards abstract questions of freedom of speech—issues that pale in comparison to the dire circumstances faced by those with little to no access to freedom of speech and expression, many of whom have been marginalized, silenced, or killed.
It is essential to recognize and challenge the hypocrisy exhibited by certain organizations that claim to defend freedom of speech but fail to address or acknowledge the injustices unfolding in Gaza. Groups like Writers Against the War on Gaza have called out these organizations, including PEN America, for their disregard towards the killing of journalists, writers, and poets, as well as the destruction of cultural institutions in Gaza. PEN America, a renowned literary organization that is meant to protect the rights of writers and artists globally, has shown little genuine concern for freedom of expression through its dismissive response to calls for condemnation of Israeli actions.
What becomes increasingly apparent is that liberal organizations prioritize preserving the status quo over defending universally espoused values. Their definition of acceptable speech versus disruptive action is not based on the specific content being expressed, but rather the judgment of those in power. PEN America, for example, has been willing to support boycotts of events related to Azerbaijan, while vehemently opposing cultural boycotts of Israel.
The concept of universal free speech is flawed and non-existent. Private property rights often supersede free speech laws, resulting in limited speech rights within certain establishments. Moreover, the right to free speech is unequally distributed, with individuals possessing more financial resources generally having greater access to and influence over speech. Additionally, incarcerated individuals are stripped of their right to free speech altogether.
Although Americans tend to view their country as a symbol of free expression, the nation’s history illustrates that progress has frequently been hindered by institutions deeming speech that challenges the status quo as crossing boundaries or being illegal. The famous adage, “You can’t shout fire in a crowded theater,” originated from anti-war protesters distributing pamphlets during World War I, which led to the Supreme Court ruling their actions as dangerous and justifiable grounds for arrest. Many rights Americans now take for granted, such as the right to organize, protest, and be free from discrimination, were only achieved through speech that was deemed disruptive at the time. However, contemporary institutions often struggle to support similar boundary-pushing actions.
PEN America, like many progressive organizations, demonstrates a blind spot when it comes to the Israel-Palestine conflict. Instead of acknowledging the political nature of all speech and the potential for disruption, they choose to hide behind the notion of universal freedom of speech. This evasive stance ultimately places them on a side, as choosing not to side with the oppressed is, in itself, a choice.
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