Today, one of my super-smart students at St. Kate’s sent me links from the New Zealand Herald and YouTube featuring a Londoner arrested “on suspicion of a racially-aggravated offence.” 4KEM5CE8U7FU

Why send it to me? Usually we talk about social media and business. She noticed that it had received over 4 million views in one day. She felt it espoused a collective horror of racism.

Does Emma West’s arrest squash free speech or publicize the horror of racism? Both, I’d say.

The UK Guardian‘s Sunny Hundal brilliantly explains explains how involving the law doesn’t settle anything. I particularly like Mr. Hundal’s fourth argument:

My fourth argument is simply this: I would rather a world where such incidents didn’t exists but the world will never be perfect. I would much prefer such racism to be open and visible because there are still far too many Westminster commentators who think racism is a thing of the past.

And kudos to my student for paying attention and sharing her thoughts outside of class–outside of her academic requirements, her grade, and my expectations. Students like this this one make teaching a joy.