To think the idea of a ‘safe space’ is being stretched so far it now means “space where I don’t have to hear anything I dislike?”

[SharpPlumBalonz]

I completely understand the original purpose of safe spaces, especially for people who’ve experienced trauma or marginalisation. But lately, it feels like the term is being used to shut down any form of disagreement, discomfort or even mild challenge.

I’ve seen people brand something as “unsafe” just become someone offered a different opinion - respectfully. AIBU to think that “safe space” is starting to mean “don’t say anything I haven’t pre-approved emotionally” and that’s not safety, that’s censorship?

I think that in some cases, it really has gone too far. And as you say, it is censorship and it becomes totalitarian.

Completely right, along with many other things which started off being a good thing have been taken too far

I used to feel this way, but for the past year and a half there are places I genuinely do not feel safe as a visibly Jewish woman with visibly Jewish children.

I agree with you, but I think this happened some 10 years ago. I remember an interview with the academic Camille Paglia from circa 2016 where she talks about the ubiquity of safe spaces and trigger warnings on campus and how antithetical they were to scholarship. The whole point is to be exposed to challenging ideas.

That's really interesting @PurpleChrayn , and depressing. I was walking through my city last weekend - affluent area, generally peaceful and no major crime - and saw a police van in one of the squares with its side doors open and the words "safe space" displayed on the side. I just rolled my eyes. How bloody ridiculous I thought. But reading your thread makes me rethink that attitude.

There have been (small) pro Palestine demo's in my city. Tensions, confusion about jewish people v zionists, and outright antisemitism must make being out in public very unsettling for you, so I'm now glad we have a 'safe space' police van in my city.

It took a while but the Office for Students has at last said that being offended is part of the learning process at university.

Can I ask (very genuinely) what makes you (as a woman) visibly Jewish? I honestly couldn’t tell a Jewish woman from any other woman on the street.

Regardless, I’m sorry you don’t feel safe. That’s a terrible way to live for anyone.

I think there should be spaces where people are able to talk and share, safe in the knowledge that the people sharing the space are there in good faith, and will prioritise support over debate. However, I think these spaces should be clearly designated as such, and in the absence of that, no assumptions should be made they will be, and no attempts made to change the use of a general space into a safe one for any particular group/viewpoint. Basically, there's value in safe supportive spaces and value in challenging spaces where different views are heard. It just needs to be clear which is which so people can choose.

I am in a few groups for my profession, and a regular post at the moment is “I’m really quiet, anyone else?”. As soon as anyone say “no”, there are responses like “see this is why I never post”, “so thoughtless” “this isn’t a safe space because of people like you.”
i think safe spaces are super important, and I also think some people take it too far

I completely understand the original purpose of safe spaces,

I don't think you do.

I am so sorry to hear that