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Fed up with flaming and unfriending, snark and shade, when discussing hot button issues like politics, religion, guns, LGBTQ rights and more? Then it’s time to join The Civilist with the Washington Post’s Steven Petrow as he and his guests take on the issues you care about. Petrow’s guests are Red, Blue, and Purple—and his focus is on how to talk together, not who’s right or wrong. He’s determined to make American kind again.Ask your question:Call 919 -263 - 0929 or leave a voice message at thecivilistpodcast@gmail.com

The Civilist: Duke, UNC Students Answer Questions On Free Speech, Trigger Warnings And Safe Spaces

Chinyere Amanze, Steven Petrow, Monique LaBorde
Rebecca Martinez
/
WUNC
Chinyere Amanze, Steven Petrow, Monique LaBorde

In this episode of The Civilist podcast, I invited two kick-ass college senior to join me in answering questions from their peers about college life, free speech, trigger warnings and more.

Chinyere Amanze, who is majoring in international comparative studies with a focus on Africa, is from my alma mater, Duke University in Durham, North Carolina. And from down Tobacco Road — the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which is also Duke’s NCAA basketball rival — I welcomed Monique LaBorde, who is pursuing degrees in gender and Southern studies.

Here are the questions they answered:

Why are “safe spaces” necessary?

“I've noticed some clubs and professors at my school are setting up safe spaces for events. One of my professors also puts 'trigger warnings' on assignments. But I don’t get why this is necessary. To me, college is a time to learn; the real world doesn’t give trigger warnings. I feel like the whole thing is trying to limit free speech and force everyone to be politically correct. And I want to say something when this comes up. But what do I say?”

I’m white. Is it OK for me to sing lyrics with the n-word in it?

“So, I love hip-hop. But I’m white. I would never use racial slurs in real life, but is it OK to sing along with rap lyrics if they’re using the n-word or something? What if I’m just with other white people? I’m glad this is anonymous. Thank you.”

How do I respond to ‘old people’ who whine about millennials?

“I’m over old people and the media whining about 'millennials.' They’re always talking about how lazy, entitled and narcissistic we are. I mean, it's totally ridiculous when you think about how we were raised, you know, to reach for the best opportunities. ...  Anyway, the economy fell apart and these baby boomers are still in their jobs, and that means I don't have one. It's not my fault that the economy is the way it is or that jobs are as bad as they are. But I need a good comeback whenever some old person tries to lump me in together with all the rest of the millennials, like we're a bunch of degenerates. What can I say?”
 

Steven Petrow is a respected journalist and the go-to source for modern manners, as cited by The New York Times, People, Time,and NPR. Known as "Mr. Manners” until Miss Manners threatened to sue him for trademark infringement, Steven’s often humorous, but always insightful advice has made him a nationally recognized expert. In addition to his five etiquette books, Petrow writes the "Civilities" column for the Washington Post as well as "Digital Ethics" for USA Today. Previously, he penned The New York Times's "Civil Behavior" column, "Digital Dilemmas" for Parade magazine, and "Medical Manners" for Everyday Health.
Rebecca Martinez produces podcasts at WUNC. She’s been at the station since 2013, when she produced Morning Edition and reported for newscasts and radio features. Rebecca also serves on WUNC’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Accountability (IDEA) Committee.
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