Summary Of Charlotte Anita Whitney's Speaking Freely

It is of the utmost importance that Americans uphold and honor the true quintessential values upon which our country was founded; values which allow us to function as a democracy. Arguably the most profound is freedom of speech. So that while we indulge in the privileges of today, we regard with great respect the fight that it took to get here. Charlotte Anita Whitney fought until her final days for freedom to speak in America. In the impressive book, “Speaking Freely,” Philippa Strum outlines both the struggles and victories of Whitney’s life testament through the Progressive Era, I.W.W, and state and federal courts. In her third book of the Landmark Law Cases and American Society Series, Strum identifies two First Amendment heroes who set the foundation of free speech, as we know it today. These heroes, Anita Whitney and Justice Louis D. Brandeis, are recognized in a captivating tale, which centers on the Whitney v. California trial. The narrative begins with background of Anita Whitney and the extensive historical bloodline she belonged to. Her family history weaved through American history- from as early as arriving on the Mayflower, to co-founding Harvard University and serving in George Washington’s army during the American Revolution. She understood the framework of her ancestors and their pursuit of liberty and justice, and Whitney assumed it her lifelong duty to achieve a just society by following in their footsteps. In the early years following her college graduation, Whitney recalled feeling bored and unsatisfied. However, she ultimately found her purpose in courageously advocating for change in America. Whitney was born into wealth and never experienced the reality of poverty as an adolescent. Nonetheless, she was especially inspired after working in an impoverished community. In turn, she lobbied for causes she deemed significant, ranging from poverty to prohibition and juvenile delinquent rights. She became most passionate about communistic ideals in the workforce and in 1914 joined the Socialist Party of America. She was an unyielding communist who was often reprimanded …show more content…
The underlying gender issues deserves more of a mention. Whitney’s role as a woman in society was significant. She not only defended the American ideals of speech, but she also unknowingly set an example for women. Her vigilance and determination in rebellion are particularly admirable, since she was a female activist during a time in which women were suppressed. Though women didn’t typically voice their opinions, when Whitney saw an opportunity for discussion, she shared her viewpoints, with no fear of the repercussions. She broke gender stereotypes and paved the way for women to voice their opinions. Strum hardly mentions anything about gender and how this played into the case, despite her expertise in women’s studies. This aspect of the book needs more attention.
In the end, the Supreme Court ruling upheld her conviction in a unanimous decision in 1927. Through this decision, Strum establishes Justice Brandeis as the second hero for his concurring opinion and beliefs about what should be considered unconstitutional speech. Brandeis refined the terms of free speech through his notion of “clear and present danger,” and urged the public to allow speech even if it was unpopular or disgraceful to some. He believed that free speech was the only way to really maintain democracy. After all, it is more dangerous to leave words unsaid rather than to expose them for the world to