The Freedom to Be Racist?

How the United States and Europe Struggle to Preserve Freedom and Combat Racism

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Political Science, International, Foreign Legal Systems, Politics, Civil Rights, Social Science, Discrimination & Race Relations
Cover of the book The Freedom to Be Racist? by Erik Bleich, Oxford University Press
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Author: Erik Bleich ISBN: 9780190661694
Publisher: Oxford University Press Publication: September 5, 2011
Imprint: Oxford University Press Language: English
Author: Erik Bleich
ISBN: 9780190661694
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Publication: September 5, 2011
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Language: English

We love freedom. We hate racism. But what do we do when these values collide? In this wide-ranging book, Erik Bleich explores policies that the United States, Britain, France, Germany, and other liberal democracies have implemented when forced to choose between preserving freedom and combating racism. Bleich's comparative historical approach reveals that while most countries have increased restrictions on racist speech, groups and actions since the end of World War II, this trend has resembled a slow creep more than a slippery slope. Each country has struggled to achieve a balance between protecting freedom and reducing racism, and the outcomes have been starkly different across time and place. Building on these observations, Bleich argues that we should pay close attention to the specific context and to the likely effects of any policy we implement, and that any response should be proportionate to the level of harm the racism inflicts. Ultimately, the best way for societies to preserve freedom while fighting racism is through processes of public deliberation that involve citizens in decisions that impact the core values of liberal democracies.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

We love freedom. We hate racism. But what do we do when these values collide? In this wide-ranging book, Erik Bleich explores policies that the United States, Britain, France, Germany, and other liberal democracies have implemented when forced to choose between preserving freedom and combating racism. Bleich's comparative historical approach reveals that while most countries have increased restrictions on racist speech, groups and actions since the end of World War II, this trend has resembled a slow creep more than a slippery slope. Each country has struggled to achieve a balance between protecting freedom and reducing racism, and the outcomes have been starkly different across time and place. Building on these observations, Bleich argues that we should pay close attention to the specific context and to the likely effects of any policy we implement, and that any response should be proportionate to the level of harm the racism inflicts. Ultimately, the best way for societies to preserve freedom while fighting racism is through processes of public deliberation that involve citizens in decisions that impact the core values of liberal democracies.

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