1969 Students Fight Over Freedom Of Speech. Like Today? 

"If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear." - George Orwell, writer (1903-1950)

I was a junior in HS at the time..in 1972, I volunteered for the Army and later became a medic in Vietnam. I love America.. I hate all the turmoil in today's society...and back then too.

Literally exactly the opposite at today’s schools.

Universities are there to educate you, not to punish you or be your parent. That's silly!

These videos are so interesting to me as a 17 year old. It's amazing to see what life was like in America during the Vietnam War and the counterculture movement.

The difference, as you know, is that university students in 1968 were trying to open and expand free speech and multiple opportunities for alll willing to work for it. Today, cancel cultuure colleges claim free speach by proclaiming what cannnot be said by anyone outside their specific group. Our generation battled against segregation, while today young people for some reason are wanting segregation under a false narrative of personal identity. As always, thanks for a thought provoking presentation.

Once again, thanks from the bottom of my heart! Honestly, I'm worried I might be running out of ways to tell you how great your channel is!

You're a walking library Mr. Hoffman! You never cease to amaze! 3👍👍👍's up!!!

Compare this to what has happened lately at Berkeley and Evergreen State College. Thanks for the post, David!

If there’s one thing that everyone should be able to agree on, it’s that free speech is a virtue. Unfortunately, many groups will only advocate for free speech when they don’t have control over the cultural institutions of power. Once they gain control over those institutions, they often no longer see free speech as being beneficial to their cause. If you don’t believe in free speech for those who disagree with you, then you don’t believe in it at all.

I am totally addicted, fascinated by your videos, fantastic uploads bro. Thanks for sharing and preserving these past moments.

Truly beautiful to see, Thank you David! As we see conflict till today on conflicts of Free Speech, it's truly facinating seeing how the conflict looked like since as early as the late 60s.

If only Students opposed the Iraq War and The Patriot Act as fervently.

This is important to understand the freedoms we have today

We have come full circle. Ideas should always be allowed to be debated in universities without political bias. I love your videos and photos, the familiarity to them are on par with Norman Rockwell paintings in that they capture the spirit of the American people, and like Norman Rockwell they center me when I need to be centered.

I can't even begin to say how GRATEFUL I am for this footage and how relevant it is today. May God Bless you and your family for posting this incredible American documentary. ❤❤❤

I've been to Kent, Ohio. Many years after these events. At that time it was a musical university but I met a lot of people, living there, who told me about their experiences at that time. Although traumatic, many remained there to honor the memories of those moments. I'm not American but was honored to be in the company of extraordinary people who, for some reason, took the time to tell me their stories.

Thanks again for the historical insight David. It's the documentation that's so important. And providing it is a service to us all.

David Hoffman, thank you for this short doco. I think it is one of the best I have seen of your productions. I am an Australian and I have never been to the USA, I was born in 1961 and I have older siblings(sisters) who are 5 and 6 years older than myself. One sister was caught up with the hippie movement here in Australia the other sister was more conservative and they were always arguing with each other over then current issues but I think that did bring them together was music, like the Beatles. I remember a lot growing up in the 60s, surrounded by older cousins, and the worry they feared of being drafted to fight in the Vietnam war. The television news on TV at 7PM on our national broadcaster used to scare the crap out of me as a youngster in the 60s, seeing horrible bloody images from the Vietnam war gave me nightmares, on the other and seeing articles about flower power and hippies confused me. Anyway thanks for this doco, its a good one mate.

Strange how this seems so tame by today's protesting standards.

This channel is AMAZING. Thank you for these precious documents.

I feel we're headed down a sad path with civilization. I hope this mentality comes back with youth

Man college students look so old probably cuz everyone smoked like chimneys but today we all look younger then that generation did at the same age because we're full of preservatives from the food we eat

This is the best channel on RU-vid

Show this to the college students of today to show them what they want to turn the clock back on, restricting speech that others find offensive. It’s unbelievable that they want to reverse the previous generation’s fight for free speech.

I remember those days well, Thank you

This is fascinating to me. I grew up in State College (my dad was a biology professor at Penn State). I was in second grade when these events occurred on campus. They sent us home early from school on the day of the big protest about Garfield Water Tunnel. I remember the assembly in the cafeteria before they sent us home. I did not know about the flag at half mast protest on Old Main lawn. Wonderful piece, David. Thank you!

Dude, this is an incredible piece of work. Thank you. What incredible footage

You are the Best Mr. Hoffman! Immense respect from Bulgaria!

You are the man Mr. Hoffman! I’m happy to be subscribed to you. Your content is unsurpassed.

And 50 years later they now fight to end it.

As always thank you, for keeping the memories of human culture alive. Thank you David! Is amazing to see how little we evolve in some areas... and then like a sad feeling comes after that. I hope someday, we can understand that some lines are blurry but freedom is never free, we have to take care of her, appreciate her.

Hey, back when college kids believed in free speech. Its sad to see it going away.

Thank you so much for preserving these moments in history. These films will be important to society for generations to come as we face similar concerns going forward.

Thank you for brining this film to light.

Cool a picture of Lennon upsets people. Go figure 👏

these videos man. something special.

Seems like "Freedom Of Speech Issues" have been center stage for Centuries in all forms and on many Continents between many different ethnic groups. Not sure if this really is a Winnable Argument when no one will listen AND those who do can't "Hear" because they have their ears covered by their own opinions. This Video will be relevant hundreds of years from now.....providing The Human Race still is too. Blistering Content here Mr. Hoffman....I need to go sit and think for a bit. Cheers From Ohio to You and Your Fans!

Everybody looks like Terrance McKenna. I'm really enjoying this antique footage.

1969 was the year this same Penn State Administration hired Jerry Sandusky!

David, thank you for your contribution to history and to humanity.

My father was a political activist/hippie in the 1960s... I've often wondered the gritty specifics of life back then. Your short documentary work here on YT is great - thank you for sharing.

It’s amazing no matter how far in the future we’ve come we’re still having the same conversations

I like the cut aways to you speaking during these videos. Great video I missed this one before

Well done. Thank you for your work. It is always exciting and wonderful to watch your content.

Thank you my friend I can't wait to check this out

I'm looking forward to see more from you David! Your great at documentary!

David -It was not only Kent State, there were other incidents that year where student were killed. Yes, Kent Stare brought it to the fore but let’s not forget earlier that year the Orangeburg Massacre at S. Carolina State where 3 students were shot down by state troopers

Fantastic video and commentary, as always, David. Thank you for sharing this and your insights.

I'm in the middle of reading The hidden Persuaders by Vance Packard and what has just been said echoes his late 40's early 50's research on the then emerging field of 'motivational analysis' in the advertising industry, along with the pertinent practice of designed obsolescence.

Totally addicted to the content! Let the David Hoffman community grow! Thank you sir.

thanks David I love your videos

Thanks for this video. Got to admire their passion.

I so look forward to watching your videos. Thank you!

@David Hoffman. I could listen to you all day. Thank you so much.

Your documentaries are really well done and are a fascinating look back at turbulent times in our country. It gives me hope that today’s troubles too will pass and the country will continue to move forward.

Glad you mentioned in loci parentis. Sad to see the struggle to speak 50+ years ago hasn't changed much today.

After the student uprisings of the 60s, the teaching of civics, and certain aspects of world history, were no longer taught in the same way, (it's easier to suppress your rights if you don't understand them, or even know what the are). And by the late 70s we had the Federal Department of Education.

god i absolutely love your channel, its insane

Its crazy how freedom of speech has always been a issue. Remember how they tried to crucify Eminem for his lyrics and other artist? And to this day they still try to in some way and ita crazy. Our rights are always under attack at all angles and it is crazy. Freedom of speech, Freedom of fire arm ownership are just two things that always going to be attacked

Mr. Hoffman, this was fascinating. I live in State College, and I work for PSU and this was all completely new to me. It was eerie seeing these places one can visit today, and though the tenor is completely different now the discussion is still alive and well. I .. do know that some time in April 1970 there was a small insurrection and some damage was done to the PSU President's home (who, after this, moved off-campus). The incident stemmed I believe from some sort of sit-in at Old Main that went south with the State Police being called in. “Old Main” is where the executive offices are for the University, and Old Main lawn continues today to be a hub for civil rights and free speech. The discussion of your personal views of free speech really resonated with me. I agree. Thank you for sharing this with us!

Thank you David! Very relevant today although seemingly upsidedown! The social programming is insidious and crafty! This film shines light!

It’s not complicated @David Hoffman! Free speech is not complicated. ALL of it should be allowed!

We can’t stand ugly aggression no matter What Name is put on it.

Your channel is a goldmine David. Appreciate the work you do!

You are a gift to humanity Mr. Hoffman

You are a historical material savior sir

David, thank you for your gift of film and preserving history, and it quirks. I am extremely thankful to learn as a 1993 child and see the world then to now. It means a lot to me and gives meaning to my life right now as I am going through a time of despair. Thank you again.

Now we know what happens when “sane people like him” take control (Ref 9:03)

It’s like one side fought so hard to be able to express themselves and now they are working hard at suppressing others and making sure everyone tows the line.

Amazing how many people watch this video, and continue to be willfully ignorant about the similarities to the fight for social justice as it is today. These calls for change have not changed a bit.

Holy moly. First of all, I get to be commenter 666 But also I really love your channel and I randomly stumbled upon it today and this is so relevant right now and I thank you for presenting it

🙏👏👏👏 Bravo Mr Hoffmann A TRUE CULTURAL PSYCHOSOCIAL ARTIST HISTORIAN

Exactly! Any spread of fascism, oppression, repression or even hate speeches should not be allowed. Even though hatred, or rather anger speech could be allowed against the aforementioned, as a reaction.

Great footage. Thanks for documenting such important moments in American history.

This was a really interesting video! It was nice to see some insight into what people thought about freedom of speech back then and the topics at hand applied to their real life problems on campus. But to everyone in the comments going on about how freedom of speech is being blocked and people are fighting to end it today, I really don’t think it’s fair to look at it in a black and white bubble. If my assumption about what is troubling to you about removing certain freedom of speech is correct, it’s over hate speech. I think it’s important to make that distinction. What they were fighting for back then, was freedom to express themselves and not be bond by societies archaic rules of thinking and speech. What people are fighting for now is putting an end to the tolerance of hate speech. If someone says they are going to kill someone and have the means to do it, that means they have intention for harm. If we know they have that intention, why would we wait until it has already passed instead of stopping it before it’s too late. Or as another example, ignorance surrounding racial or sexual minorities. Or women. This kind of speech is degrading to those kinds of people and is only brought forth becuase of ignorance and intolerance. This brings no benefit to anyone in society and is not free thought in the interest of expanding ideas and such. This is the direct opposite of that. If we know this then why wouldn’t we try to stop it. What value does this bring to anyone’s lives, what new ideas are being introduced or being explored? Absolutely none above a better understanding of how ignorant or hateful people can be. So if they bring absolutely no value to society, they actively infringe on peoples well being and in some cases, are used as a means to hurt others or take serious illegal action as to further their ideas, then why should we tolerate it. That is not at all the same thing they are fighting for here in this video and at that time. Ironically enough, freedom of hate speech, hurts the freedom of others. So again, why should we tolerate it. And I understand the idea of giving up some of those freedoms is scary, as what’s the stopping point? What is considered hate speech, and what is normal freedom of speech and thought? Where does it all end? And to be honest, no one knows. But we do know the effect hate speech in general has on people. So as a closer, I would kindly ask that if you are reading this, that you consider what it is you are fighting for and who it helps. If this will bring value to your life and the lives of those affected by this kind of speech, or if it may be out of ignorance to the struggles those groups face. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Hoffman.

all these collegiates were entitled then as they are now when you consider people were dying in the millions overseas and they're getting ruffled over petty squables

🌻David Hoffman 🌻appreciate your commentary 👌 Listening from Mass USA🌟 Hello everyone on UTube TYVM ♥️ David Hoffman

Everyone wants to be heard No one wants to listen

Thank you.

Interesting story, and hopefully a reminder to all that the issue of free speech still has a lot of gray areas. Regardless of where people stand on the issue, I think it’s important to remember that the moment the GOVERNMENT imposes their will, that’s where there is legitimate cause for concern. Very harrowing reminder of this at the end of the video. Next time you’re up in arms about people being censored on Twitter or put on blast on a college campus, remember that military personnel actually KILLED people at Kent State for exercising their First Amendment rights. Perspective is everything.

Thanks again for your informed perspective. What struck me from this video was actually your ending remarks about Kent State. The death of the students at the hands of the State and the silence that followed. Was it grief, horror, disbelief? Maybe a bit of all? We still haven't slipped the from the bindings of our past, we are still fighting the Revolution (the authority of the State vs Liberty), the Civil War (ourselves vs what human rights are), and the struggle to bring the Enlightenment to every human's heart (that each person is individual and important vs the group). And like you, I don't have answers. Just a view.

I don't trust a grown man wearing a cape.

I think I’ve at last gone to a useful conclusion about the turn of events we are witnessing. To say someone is “fighting for free speech” is not the same between a person who is fighting for _their own_ opinions to be heard, but when they’re willing to fight for _other people’s_ opinions _they don’t agree with_ to be heard. It’s easy to fight for your own potentially selfish opinions to be heard. It’s another to fight for the concept of free speech, which doesn’t favor any particular opinion.

Very interesting and well made film. Well spoken people. A valuable film that people can learn from. Thanks for showing this film.

Thanks David then wow look at us know have a great day and night sir

Great work man! Love your steady hand and presentation of the material.

man, when that guy called him a buster, it felt so powerful... even tho its such a tame word nowadays.

speech that has harm shouldn't be allowed, but its real hard to define it which makes it such a complicated issue

in my days when I THOUGHT we owned the world knowing nothing

Funny how things change, now students attempt to destroy free speech

Oh, you do this so well, David.

What A Kingdom It Was...

Wow, so fascinating

Gas lighting for years

The irony of a documentary discussing a protest over free speech and obscenity and then that same video showing a picture which has to cover up the obscene parts. I guess we lost that fight for free speech.

Thanks

It was probably the same people who said it wasn't right to lower the flag to half mast who said it wasn't right to kneel during the anthem. Because when it comes to challenging white supremacy, there will never be a good or right way. I'm so thankful for the incredibly relevant history you share..I uploaded a video today talking a little about about how you've impacted my life. Not that eloquently, but It's real.

Too bad their grandchildren are throwing away their freedom of speech today.