LitPick Review
There is a new world order that frowns on hate of any kind. In the book No Free Speech for Hate by Stephen Ford, to hate is to be hated. The King of England has been displaced, the monarchy has fallen, and the country is now run by liberals who emphasize inclusivity and fight against toxicity, ensuring a safe environment for everyone. Those who don’t adhere to this new policy are deemed a toxic influence or ‘Unsuitable’ and ostracized from the rest of the society. Jim Hubbings, a professor of pharmacology at Slough University and part-time psychologist, has certain opinions about finding common ground between the marginalized communities and mainstream society. But certain opinions can lead to the Toxic Influence Confinement Area (TICA). Although he’s being careful and refraining from anything that can land him in trouble, he still managed to get himself tangled in issues of national security, a lawsuit, a murder case, and a risk of his daughter becoming an Unsuitable.
Opinion:
No Free Speech For Hate is a thoughtful book that explores sensitive and complex topics. The author put so much thought into the character of Professor Jim Hubbings, in making him someone who genuinely wants to create a safe space for the marginalized communities, but has the interest of the mainstream society at heart. Yet, he can only share his thoughts and opinions with few people who think alike, for fear of being labeled as a toxic influence. This makes him relatable and just as human as me and every other reader. This book gave me a new perspective on power dynamics. I realized that those seen as the oppressors can also feel stereotyped or oppressed. How do we find a balance? How do we create a safe space for open dialogue, yet respecting the struggles of those who have faced social stigma due to factors that set them apart? Stephen Ford has done a great job in raising the concerns on both sides. An intriguing and captivating read!
