No Safe Spaces

No Safe Spaces is a provocative and thought-provoking documentary film from 2019, featuring prominent social commentators such as comedian Adam Carolla, national radio talk show host Dennis Prager, and Canadian psychologist and professor Jordan B. Peterson. It ventures into the realm of freedom of speech, the first amendment, and its relationship with American campuses and broader society. The film is directed by Justin Folk, who brings his artistic brilliance to bear in this compelling exploration of one of the most contentious issues of our time.

The film’s central premise revolves around the growing trend of limiting freedom of speech on modern university campuses and its replications for the larger society. It showcases how censorship, safe spaces, and political correctness have grown more pervasive at universities across the United States, stifling intellectual progress and restricting balanced debates and ideas.

This cautionary tale is laid bare through the unique perspectives of Carolla and Prager. Carolla, an outspoken comedian and radio host, known for his fiercely libertarian views, brings an edgy, uncompromising approach to the subject. Meanwhile, Prager offers a thoughtful, conservative viewpoint derived from his decades-long career as a radio host and commentator. Their dynamic interplay provides a rich and diverging backdrop as the movie traverses the shifting ideological landscapes of American universities.

One of the many interesting aspects of No Safe Spaces is its creative blend of original interviews, animation, and borrowed footage. Among its interviewees are notable personalities, including renowned commentators like Ben Shapiro, Dave Rubin, and Cornel West, as well as university students and professors who have experienced these censorial trends firsthand. Their personal narratives provide a human element that adds depth to the film's intellectual discourse, offering a more nuanced understanding of the extent and implications of this phenomenon.

The narrative also delves into specific high-profile incidents at universities that have sparked national debates. However, it does this without getting mired in the stories themselves, employing them instead as examples to illustrate the larger, systemic issue. Arguably, some of the film's most compelling moments come from watching these real-world cases of speech being stifled or punished for ideological reasons.

Another aspect of the film is the animation component that cleverly and entertainingly repackages complex and controversial ideas into digestible chunks that are easily understandable for wide audiences. By doing so, it maintains a level of engagement and visual appeal to balance its serious subject matter.

Of special note is the involvement of Jordan B. Peterson, a notable figure in the debates around identity politics and free speech. Peterson brings to the table a well-calibrated balance of academic gravitas and pop-cultural appeal, fine-tuning some of the complex intellectual concepts floating throughout the film.

However, No Safe Spaces is not a one-sided argument advocating for absolute free speech. Instead, it considers the perspectives of those who advocate for safe spaces and trigger warnings, allowing them to air their views. It allows audience members to witness both sides of this argument and encourages them to ponder on the possible solutions and ways to navigate this contentious yet vital issue.

In the end, the film casts an unflinching look at the state of free speech in our society. It addresses questions such as 'What does free speech mean in today's society?' and 'Are there limits to this basic principle?' By weaving together a powerful mixture of personal testimonials, intellectual discussions, and real-life examples, No Safe Spaces offers an insightful evaluation of how we think and relate to the world around us.

While not one to shy away from its charged subject matter, No Safe Spaces is a timely and critical reflection piece that encourages continued discourse and understanding. As it presents a glimpse into the current socio-political climate, it serves as a stark reminder of the importance of critical thinking, open dialogue, and the continued fight for intellectual diversity. No Safe Spaces is a must-watch, not just for students, academics, or free speech proponents, but for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of our rapidly changing world.