Speaking respect, respecting speech

In recent years, words have become the weapons of choice. Particular incidents and events, from the centrality of a racial epithet in the O. J. Simpson trial to the death threat against Salman Rushdie, have galvanized the news media and popular imagination. Contemporary social conflict, epitomized by hurtful speech, is obsessed with questions of respect, honor, and dignity.

Richard Abel's Speaking Respect, Respecting Speech makes an impassioned and convincing case for why respect is at the center of social conflict and what can be done about it.