Lam refers to white people like her roommate as “the white devil” in denouncing “microaggressions” and describes her dorm room as “my oppressor’s bedroom looked like an Urban Outfitter’s catalog and smelled like a skinny white girl.”
Critics have charged that this and other race laden columns would never be tolerated by a white columnist. Given the effort to raise “microaggressions” to the level of sanctionable conduct, the concern is well placed. There has long been a lack of standard articulated in distinguishing race-based speech or conduct. I know little about the writings of Lam (and I have less interest after reading a couple of her columns). However, it does not matter. Race continues to divide society and Lam’s views will likely generate more debate and discussion on the subject. The solution is to return to the concept of a free speech zone for entire campuses and not isolated spaces. Good speech has a way to overcoming bad speech. Yet, many faculty and administrators want to actively silence views that they consider obnoxious or privilege or hateful. The result is uneven and unfair and ultimately self-defeating.
What do you think?