It's Debatable: Talking Authentically about Tricky Topics

"Readers will not agree with everything he writes, but isn't that the whole point of a book like this? People can disagree with others and discuss the bases for those disagreements without being dismissed or silenced."

This book begins with a quote from John Stuart Mill about the necessity of "fully, frequently, and fearlessly . . ." discussing opinions. That position is reflected throughout Robert Jensen's new book, It's Debatable: Talking Authentically About Tricky Topics. It begins with chapters on the freedom to think and the freedom to speak.

The author is often challenged for his positions on controversial topics. He does not shy away from raising issues that arouse the ire of many people. In a time of robust book banning campaigns and cancelation efforts, it is refreshing to read a determined and well-researched book. And yet . . .

Jensen's publisher took exception to one of the issues he included in the book. The publisher deemed the issue so controversial it threatened to cancel publication unless the offending discussion was removed.

Readers will not find chapter 5, "Defining Sex/Gender: Beyond Trans Ideology," in the book. Referring to the publisher, Jensen writes, "they wanted to publish the book but, in good conscience, couldn't do so with this chapter because of their support for the goals of the transgender movement."

Jensen also mentions that the publisher, Interlink Publishing, published a note on its website "about Interlink's decision to publish the book, despite their profound disagreement" with the author's opinion. He includes the URL where people can find that note, except it isn't there.

Throughout the book, the author states his belief that "reasonable people can disagree" but it appears, at least in this case, that is not true.

Jensen is not the first author to run into difficulty with a publisher that doesn't what's being written. There have been reports from the U.S. and the U.K. of authors being canceled because publishing staff disapproves of their politics, gender, sexuality, marital status, religious beliefs, or other irrelevant factors. These efforts are the reverse side of the book-banning coin. There always seems to be someone, somewhere, who wants total control over what other people can read or write.

Make no mistake, this is an interesting book. Jensen discusses and raises questions about climate change, ecological sustainability, and racism. His opinions and statements prompt one to think it is doubtful everyone will agree with everything he writes. But isn't that the whole point of a book like this? People can disagree with others and discuss the bases for those disagreements without being dismissed or silenced. Being in lockstep results the destruction of curiosity, creativity and inquisitiveness.

It's the dismissal and silence of those who have different opinions or beliefs that places society in danger. Fear of being targeted by activists because one's opinion or belief runs contrary to the "accepted narrative" is a driving force.

Jensen reminds readers that we are "social animals—we don't think, speak, or live alone." Society looks to others for answers to things that puzzle or confuse us. No one lives in a vacuum, regardless of how much that concept is pushed. Silencing dissent or disagreement paralyzes a people and prevents growth. No one is always right. No ideology or theory is always correct. People will always disagree to one extent or the other. Curiosity is what makes life so much more interesting, and if the quest for answers is stymied the world becomes a dark and dismal place.

Jensen calls thinking a "social activity." He writes, "[E]ven the most rigorous thinker is prone to biases that come from a desire to be correct, overriding the best evaluation of evidence possible."

There is an ongoing campaign to destroy the idea that discussions and disagreements are good things. Society is devolving into a "it's my way, there is no highway" position and that does not bode well for anyone.

Nothing is absolute, opinions change, theories change, people change. That, however, does not give anyone, or any group, the right to shut down another's right to speak or think. The right to disagree is of paramount importance and that's what makes issues debatable. People can hear opposing or variable opinions and make up their own minds. Without debate society cannot become better.

It's Debatable presents his ideas, beliefs, and positions, not as the end of the discussion, but as a starting point. He encourages discussion because through it people can arrive at greater understanding of each other and the world at large.

Oh, and any reader interested in reading Jensen's Chapter 5 can find it on his website: http://robertjensen.org/.

The book includes interesting discussions on topics that raise the hackles on any number of people. But nothing is so controversial a topic that people can't talk about it, nor should any issue be deemed so sacrosanct that all discussion must be buried.