September 27 marks the beginning of Banned Books Week, an annual event celebrating literature and the freedom to read, by highlighting and exploring efforts around the country to remove or restrict access to certain books. Indeed, Americans have sought to censor all kinds of things: music, radio, TV, and film have also run up against assumed limits on what is acceptable to say or portray. In this episode, Peter, Ed, and Brian offer an uncut account of censorship in American politics, media, and culture—from rules designed to prevent the discussion of controversial subjects ranging from slavery to sex via the mail, to Hollywood's production code and censorship today. Recalling materials and individuals that have been suppressed or once incurred a censor’s wrath, we explore how the line between free speech and censorship has changed over time.
Meghan O’Rourke, Katie Roiphe, and Troy Patterson discuss Mary Karr's memoir, Lit. We recommend, but don't insist, that you read the book before listening to this audio program.
40 Min
Jan 18, 2010
Two classic episodes from Think Again's origins, reunited at last.
41 Min
Nov 4, 2017
Even if Google was right to fire James Damore, why does it insist that employees can still expect freedom of expression at work?
0 Min
Aug 10, 2017