America’s public libraries are facing an epidemic of censorship

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit theoryofchange.flux.communityWhen you turn on your news app, YouTube, or television, chances are you’re going to be deluged with content about “cancel culture,” an amorphous term that no one ever actually defines, but seems to be about private citizens criticizing other private citizens. What you’re much less likely to hear about is that right now, America is facing an epidemic of censorship--actual government officials using their power to ban speech or content that they don’t like.According to the free expression and literary human rights group PEN America, since 2021, there have been 185 educational gag orders in 41 states targeting authors and teachers from teaching specific books and topics. Censorship advocates are also coming after the nation's public libraries, trying to block and remove materials they deem inappropriate based on their religious opinions.In this episode, we're joined by Jonathan Friedman who is the director of free expression and education programs at PEN America.AUDIO TRANSCRIPT (Patreon membership required for full text):https://flux.community/matthew-sheffield/2022/12/americas-public-libraries-are-facing-an-epidemic-of-censorship/GUEST INFOJonathan Friedman on Twitter:https://twitter.com/jonfreadomPEN America website:https://pen.org/PEN report, "Banned in the USA"https://pen.org/report/banned-usa-growing-movement-to-censor-books-in-schools/ABOUT THE SHOWTheory of Change is hosted by Matthew Sheffield and is part of the Flux network, a new content community of podcasters and writers. Please visit us at https://flux.community to learn more and to tell us about what you're doing. We're constantly growing and learning from the great people we meet.Theory of Change website:https://theoryofchange.showTheory of Change on Twitter:https://twitter.com/TheoryChangeMatthew Sheffield on Twitter:https://twitter.com/mattsheffieldSUPPORT THE SHOWPayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/theorychangePatreon: https://www.patreon.com/discoverfluxIf you're not able to support financially, please help us by subscribing and/or leaving a nice review on your favorite podcast app. Doing this helps other people find Theory of Change and our great guests. Thanks for your help!Theory of Change on Apple Podcasts:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/theory-of-change-podcast/id1486920059 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit plus.flux.community/subscribe