Whose Speech Is Free?

The headline is a trick question. Everyone’s speech is free. The consequences of that speech make the difference. Yet every day it feels like our understanding of the first amendment to the U.S. Constitution becomes more and more muddled. That was true in 2021 when First Second Books originally released the nonfiction graphic novel Free Speech Handbook. With the omnipresence of AI, it’s even more confusing. Luckily, sister imprint 23rd Street Books has an updated edition coming next week on August 19.

Creators Ian Rosenberg and Mike Cavallaro don’t just explain the amendment. They delve into its history and the reasons why it exists. Some might argue its time has passed, but Rosenberg and Cavallaro juxtapose 10 Supreme Court cases against more recent, turbulent events. Have we moved past yelling “Fire” in a crowded theater yet?

As G.I. Joes might say, knowing is half the battle. Closely reading this graphic novel may uncover truths both comfortable and uncomfortable. As said above, just because you can say it doesn’t mean you won’t have fallout.

From 23rd Street Books:

When first published in 2021, Publishers Weekly said of the book, “This informative and inspiring guide looks past free-speech clichés to home in on how such rights are not chiseled in stone but fought over on an ever-shifting battlefield” in a starred review.

Author Ian Rosenberg explains from his perspective as a New York-based First Amendment lawyer, why this book is more timely now than ever:

“Battles over free speech are currently sweeping the country with an increasing intensity. Censorship efforts—particularly against graphic novels— plague our schools and libraries, attacks on the media continue unrelentingly, and protests on college campuses are prompting extreme efforts to suppress dissenting views in higher education. Given all of this turmoil, it is no surprise that it sometimes feels like the First Amendment legal ground beneath our feet is shifting in ways we cannot predict. Nevertheless, Free Speech Handbook provides a stabilizing framework for understanding our free speech rights even in unsettling times. Unless we truly know our rights as Americans, they are impossible to fully utilize and defend when threatened. This nonfiction graphic novel is a tool for fighting authoritarianism, protecting our democracy, and bringing an appreciation of free speech law to all Americans.”

You can order Free Speech Handbook at Bookshop.org here.

Fanboy Planet is an affiliate of both Bookshop.org and Amazon among other online vendors. Purchases made through links on this and other pages may generate a commission for this site.