The First Amendment affords citizens enormous liberties. But what about ideas that seek to undermine our democracy? Justice Louis Brandeis argued that even "noxious doctrines" deserve constitutional protection. We believe that the cure for anti-democratic ideas is a robust public debate. Nowadays, a fragmented media landscape makes it harder to find a public big enough to dilute dangerous ideas. Fewer schools teach debate, which leaves the next generation of citizens unprepared to challenge toxic dogma. Join our conversation about the practical strategies of journalists and Gen Z citizens as they confront the noxious doctrines in current American politics. We'll hear from a newspaper publisher, a professional journalist, and two Keene State College students about how we can make space for bad faith ideas without losing faith in our democracy.
Cost is $15 per person and includes appetizers and one beverage (beer, wine, or non-alcoholic drink) in the relaxed atmosphere of Modestman Brewing in downtown Keene.
Panelists: Cathleen Klem, Tom Ewing, Danielle Dexter, Paul Cuno-Booth
Moderator: Meg Mott, Ph.D.
This program has been temporarily postponed.
In these hyper-polarized times, it is hard to find spaces where different political viewpoints co-exist. Fewer schools teach debate, which leaves the next generation of citizens unprepared for counterarguments and nuance. Changes in journalism and media consumption have enabled people to avoid, and sometimes discount, information that doesn’t align with their worldviews. This conversation considers the importance of holding competing arguments in a democracy. We'll hear from a professional journalist and Keene State students on how they make space for dissenting viewpoints. Together we can rediscover the quiet pleasure of understanding the best arguments of your political opponent.
Cost is $15 per person and includes appetizers and one beverage (beer, wine, or non-alcoholic drink) in the relaxed atmosphere of the Modestman Brewing in downtown Keene.
Panelists:
Tom Ewing, The Keene Sentinel
Cathleen Klem, Keene State College student
Danielle Dexter, Keene State College student
Paul Cuno-Booth, Freelance Journalist
Moderator:
Meg Mott, Ph.D., Professor of Politics Emerita and Town Moderator, Putney, VT. After twenty years of teaching political theory and constitutional law to Marlboro College undergraduates, Meg Mott has taken her love of argument to the general public. She attended the University of New Hampshire in the 1970s and is currently teaching at Keene State College. Meg’s award-winning series Debating Our Rights on the first ten amendments brings civil discussions on contentious issues to public libraries and colleges.
Suggested reading/listening:
How the Constitution teaches students to disagree civilly
Interactive Constitution
This series was made possible by the Mellon Foundation.
