Speaking freely?

Streaming video - 2019

By definition, being a writer depends on having speech be free. Yet freedom of speech is understood and valued very differently across historical moments, cultures, and contexts; the concept of “hate speech” stands in sharp contradiction to that of “freedom of expression.” What is a writer’s responsibility in the domain between these two poles? The International Authors series provides an opportunity for the community to meet and converse with writers from around the world who are the 2019 Writers in Residence at the University of Iowa International Writing Program. The series is sponsored by The UI International Writing Program and The Iowa City Public Library.