SAFE SPACES

I hear that safe spaces are for young people who are so afraid of hearing other’s opinions that they shut down discourse and debate.

Um, no. There is no more debate needed with bigots. Bigotry deserves no more respect, consideration, or debate than alchemy or phrenology or any other archaic, thoroughly debunked idea. Bigots derail actual discussions. Nobody should have to constantly pause in a debate to defend their worth as a human being. I think maybe we could be more honest, maybe change the name from Safe Spaces to No Being-an-Asshole Spaces.

Also, one doesn’t exist solely in safe spaces. Can’t a person get a break and a breather from a world that’s hostile to them? Why is that a problem? So no break? Engagement with bigots all the time in all spaces even for the greatly outnumbered victims of the bigotry?

It’s so weird to me that people complain so much about young people having safe spaces, a place for a temporary reprieve and rest from bigotry, but I don’t hear any fuss about rich people continuing to live in gated communities. People live behind a gate, safe from us poor folks. They get in their air-conditioned cars, radios turned to Christian radio, or conservative talk radio, or maybe some classic rock as they drive to a private parking lot of a private club or well-secured upscale shopping center, and some kid taking public transportation and walking the streets can’t have a rest in a café or bookstore where it’s understood that bigotry isn’t welcome?

Punch yourself in the face.