Dozens of artists, writers and academics have signed an open letter decrying the weakening of public debate and warning that the free exchange of information and ideas is in jeopardy amid a rise in what they call 鈥渋lliberalism.鈥�
J.K. Rowling, Salman Rushdie and Margaret Atwood are among dozens of writers, artists and academics to argue against ideological conformity in an open letter in Harper鈥檚 Magazine. The letter comes amid a debate over so-called cancel culture 鈥� where prominent people face attack for sharing controversial opinions.
鈥淭he forces of illiberalism are gaining strength throughout the world and have a powerful ally in Donald Trump, who represents a real threat to democracy,鈥欌�� the letter said. 鈥淏ut resistance must not be allowed to harden into its own brand of dogma or coercion鈥攚hich right-wing demagogues are already exploiting. The democratic inclusion we want can be achieved only if we speak out against the intolerant climate that has set in on all sides.鈥欌��
Rowling, for example, has attracted criticism over her views on transgender issues, which have angered many activists. In a series of tweets, Rowling said she supported transgender rights but did not believe in 鈥渆rasing鈥� the concept of biological sex.
The comments prompted Daniel Radcliffe and other cast members of the Potter films to publicly disagree with her. Rowling was unmoved, but was attacked for weeks online.
The letter criticized the state of public debate and the 鈥渟wift and severe retribution鈥� dealt out to any perceived wrongs. It decried an 鈥渋ntolerance of opposing views, a vogue for public shaming and ostracism, and the tendency to dissolve complex policy issues in a blinding moral certainty.鈥欌��
鈥淭he way to defeat bad ideas is by exposure, argument, and persuasion, not by trying to silence or wish them away,鈥� the letter said. 鈥淲e refuse any false choice between justice and freedom, which cannot exist without each other.
Other signatories included Noam Chomsky, Gloria Steinem and Malcolm Gladwell.
Danica Kirka, The Associated Press
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