Expression in Contested Public Spaces: Free Speech and Civic Engagement

Review
"This inspiring book is a must-read for citizens attentive to making a difference in their community. The provocative essays address how “We the People” can use our right to free speech to attain greater justice for all people. Chapters chronicle different social situations, exhibiting through example how to build a more equitable society. This compelling collection will motivate readers to show up and speak up." -- Pat Arneson, Duquesne University
"This book examines some of our most pressing issues of freedom of expression. Scholars analyze free speech as it relates to higher education, public art and memorials, deliberative democracy, mass gun violence, homelessness, gaming, historical social movements, and contemporary movements for racial and social justice. Students and researchers will find this volume valuable and insightful."
-- Ann E. Burnette, Texas State University
"This is a timely book that addresses pressing concerns of the day: collective action, democratic expression, free speech, methods of advocacy, resistance and intervention, contestation over meaning and symbolism, and the relationship between communication and social change. Both scholarly and accessible, this is a must read for anyone interested in not just studying but also creating a more just and equitable world. I applaud the contributors and invite everyone to pick up a copy!" -- Jason Del Gandio, Temple University
Expression in Contested Public Spaces: Free Speech and Civic Engagement addresses how people express themselves and their differences, in ways that amplify the many voices central to the mission of democracy. This book investigates in what ways and in what discursive forms people interrupt the status quo or unjust practices to advance positive social change. The chapters feature research activity, engaged scholarship, and creative expression to boldly frame the issues of free speech—amid attempts to chill and silence expressions of dissent—in order to demonstrate how community organizers, activists, and scholars use their voices to advance peace and justice befitting the human condition. Scholars and students of communication and the social sciences will find this book particularly interesting.