Don’t dismiss value of free speech

Re: “Petition calls for cancellation of controversial speaker,” July 26.

As a member of Calgary’s arts community, I was actually disappointed to see many of my colleagues quickly calling for the cancellation of Jordan Peterson’s lecture.

Though many of their points regarding Peterson’s ignorant beliefs are valid, the fact is that he is attracting a following. Simply opposing any public forum on questionable beliefs only moves these conversations out of sight, out of mind — and in my opinion, that is far more dangerous.

Rather, affected communities should raise the bar by creating equally effective opportunities that clearly articulate why such views are wrong, misguided and often hateful.

An idea would have been to invite Peterson to meet with the affected communities that he addresses in his lectures. He may have declined, but a side-by-side event could have been equally effective.

Free speech, within the reasonable limits set by hate laws in our country, should give rise to thoughtful dialogue on all spectrums that hopefully allow reason and empathy to prevail.

Simply writing a name on an online petition falls short and only seems to shed more spotlight on Peterson’s message.

Jung-Suk Ryu, Calgary Jung-Suk Ryu is CEO of Indefinite Arts Centre, which serves artists living with disabilities.