#self-censorship

#self-censorship

Nonprofits are facing a political environment where essential missions are under attack and public funding is disappearing. The Trump administration has made it far more difficult for many nonprofits to continue receiving government support. Organizations whose missions or values run afoul of those of the White House and its allies in Congress, especially those connected to LGBTQ+ rights, immigration, racial equity, women's rights, voting rights, international relief, and the ever-present boogeyman of DEI, are facing the greatest funding pressures.

As artists continue to feel the impacts of grant withdrawals and exhibition cancellations under the Trump administration, New York City Councilmember Erik Bottcher held an oversight hearing on alleged censorship in the arts sector on Thursday, November 20. The hearing featured testimony from artists and cultural leaders, including New York City Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) Commissioner Laurie Cumbo; Asian American Arts Alliance Executive Director Lisa Gold; and Elizabeth Larison, director of the Arts and Culture Advocacy Program at the National Coalition Against Censorship.

Political violence undermines the sense of safety that's essential to free and open debate. If controversial views inspire murder, then most of us will be reluctant to speak out honestly. Political violence and threats can be a powerful source of self-censorship. We need to end support for political violence of every kind on every side, from this terrible murder to the threats of violence against professors from all sides who express controversial views.

As I illustrate in my forthcoming book, we live in an age of authenticity worship. From corporate mission statements urging employees to "bring their whole selves to work" to self-help gurus insisting that "being real" is the only path to fulfillment, we've elevated authenticity to near-spiritual status. But our obsession has a curious twist: we tend to grant a special premium to negative authenticity.