Hiding From Scary Ideas Analysis

Safe spaces are used to help those who feel unaccepted due to their background, lifestyle, capabilities, or for those who were triggered by a certain event. These safe spaces can help provide comfort and create a place for students to express themselves without being judged, but maybe these safe spaces are becoming too much of a problem on campuses. In the article, “Hiding From Scary Ideas,” Judith Shulevitz mentions many incidents where safe spaces have done more harm than good. I believe that colleges should put a greater priority on protecting speech, even if it is “unpopular” or disturbing. Using multiple stories from different universities, Shulevitz shows how safe spaces are a hindering discussion because they’re used as a way for students to shelter themselves from things that they don’t want to hear. In order to support her first claim, Shulevitz writes a story about a debate on sexual assault between Jessica Valenti and Wendy McElroy, a libertarian whom they feared would …show more content…
Shulevitz wants students to keep an open mind. The article could also be for universities and colleges since they are the ones who are in charge of canceling speakers and debates when students feel unsafe. Shulevitz understands the bind the universities are in, but also thinks bringing different ideas into the university is more helpful to the students. Another group that may benefit from this article is the parents of students. The role of parents is mentioned in “Hiding From Scary Ideas” and Shulevitz wants parents to not shield their children from new ideas. Shulevitz is trying to show how protecting students from ideas dissimilar from their own may lead to them not being able to face the real world outside of campus where there won’t be any safe spaces to keep them from feeling hurt by others’