Final Draft “The Indispensable Opposition”
The article “The Indispensable Opposition” written by Walter Lippmann presents readers a cynical interpretation of the ideas of freedom and Democracy in order to prove freedom of speech may not be as great as we have come to believe
Firstly, Lippmann develops his argument by stating a man’s right to speak freely and act in opposition is a “noble idea” rather than a “practical necessity”. In other words, the idea of freedom of speech is a product of democratic idealists influenced by the Enlightenment in order to create a government by and for the people. Additionally however, Lippmann reinforces his claim by stating the idea of Freedom is something not written down, seen, or even incredibly valuable, …show more content…
He criticizes society claiming we are “too timid” or “to good natured” to do anything about our opponents or critics except letting them talk and criticize others. Lippmann additionally provides thought provoking questions, questions, which make us, think whether our society is perhaps too self-righteous or does our society lack any willpower and conviction to argue against critics even if they are right.
Thirdly, Lippmann’s writing style is truly something to be admired. His way of using contradictions and counters as well as his ability to stretch his argument, just enough is something to take note of. However, Lippmann’s strengths comes from of how organized, flowing, and poetic his essay can be which is also reinforced by providing thought provoking questions to incite debates on whether our society is too self righteous or lazy when it comes to freedom of speech. However, Lippmann’s weakness stem from how poetic he appears to be at certain points, which can make the essay easy to be lost in.
In conclusion, While Lippmann’s essay is cynical, down to earth and even poetic at times. Opens people’s eyes as to what we should or shouldn’t allow others to say if they want to offend someone or just want say something without any evidence to back up their
The article “The Indispensable Opposition” written by Walter Lippmann presents readers a cynical interpretation of the ideas of freedom and Democracy in order to prove freedom of speech may not be as great as we have come to believe
Firstly, Lippmann develops his argument by stating a man’s right to speak freely and act in opposition is a “noble idea” rather than a “practical necessity”. In other words, the idea of freedom of speech is a product of democratic idealists influenced by the Enlightenment in order to create a government by and for the people. Additionally however, Lippmann reinforces his claim by stating the idea of Freedom is something not written down, seen, or even incredibly valuable, …show more content…
He criticizes society claiming we are “too timid” or “to good natured” to do anything about our opponents or critics except letting them talk and criticize others. Lippmann additionally provides thought provoking questions, questions, which make us, think whether our society is perhaps too self-righteous or does our society lack any willpower and conviction to argue against critics even if they are right.
Thirdly, Lippmann’s writing style is truly something to be admired. His way of using contradictions and counters as well as his ability to stretch his argument, just enough is something to take note of. However, Lippmann’s strengths comes from of how organized, flowing, and poetic his essay can be which is also reinforced by providing thought provoking questions to incite debates on whether our society is too self righteous or lazy when it comes to freedom of speech. However, Lippmann’s weakness stem from how poetic he appears to be at certain points, which can make the essay easy to be lost in.
In conclusion, While Lippmann’s essay is cynical, down to earth and even poetic at times. Opens people’s eyes as to what we should or shouldn’t allow others to say if they want to offend someone or just want say something without any evidence to back up their