For the first day of class, I asked my students to read both essays along with the original Cotton op-ed, and write on the following question: Do you think the New York Times should have published Cotton’s essay? Why or why not?
We are woefully lacking in the ability to respond to anything with something other than cheering or frothing hatred. I don't know if the problem is actually getting worse or if it's just more visible these days, but I feel like I used to be able to see someone be called a fool without also calling for his crucifixion. Instead of criticizing and mocking we attack and attempt to destroy. If we fail we make an enemy into a worse enemy and when we succeed we make an enemy into a martyr. Fear is the wrong tool to use in the shifting of public opinion.