Odyssey

A Special, Live Two-Hour Edition of Chicago Public Radio's Odyssey

Originally broadcast Wednesday, May 7, 2003

"We must learn to explore all the options and possibilities that confront us in a complex and rapidly changing world. We must learn to welcome and not to fear the voices of dissent."

So said Senator J. William Fulbright in a 1964 speech in the U.S. Senate. With voices of protest a continuing presence in today's political landscape, Fulbright's admonition strikes a responsive chord, both in the United States and abroad.

Dissent has long been a powerful element of democracy—from the Boston Tea Party to civil disobedience in the 1950s and 1960s, from book burnings to flag burnings. For many, the right to dissent, without fear of repercussion, is a definitive hallmark of a democratic system. In this two-hour special edition of Odyssey, host Gretchen Helfrich and her guests engage in a comprehensive exploration of the role of protest in a democratic state.

"Dissent and Democracy" investigates four elements of dissent:

• Origins: Our nation was largely founded and built by colonists, many of whom were religious dissenters. The communities they established—at Plymouth and elsewhere—gave rise to later ideas about democracy.
• Functions: Dissenting voices can illuminate a better course for the nation. What other political, social, or cultural benefits can vigorous dissent provide, and are these acknowledged by society?
• Institutions: Democratic institutions such as protected speech, a free press, and a deliberative legislature encourage dissent. Are there also forces that censor dissent?
• Practices: From letter writing to street protests, what are the effects of different styles of dissent within a democratic society?