Salman Rushdie Sounds Alarm on Free Speech Threats Amid Rising Orthodoxy
In a significant television interview on CBS’ “60 Minutes,” Rushdie discussed the growing trend among young people to view censorship favorably. Reflecting on his own experiences, including nearly a decade of hiding due to death threats over his book “The Satanic Verses,” Rushdie expressed alarm at the current climate.
The author highlighted the case of Hadi Matar, the New Jersey man accused of stabbing him, who admitted to only reading a small portion of his novel before the attack. Rushdie emphasized the danger of censorship, regardless of its origin, suggesting that such actions ultimately harm minority groups.
Rushdie argued against censorship in the name of protecting vulnerable groups, cautioning against the slippery slope it presents. He stressed the importance of engaging with challenging and potentially offensive ideas, emphasizing the value of diverse perspectives in shaping discourse.
The author also discussed his thoughts during the attack in 2022, expressing gratitude for surviving the harrowing ordeal. Rushdie’s insights serve as a reminder of the critical importance of safeguarding free speech in a democratic society, even in the face of adversity.
