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July 1, 2015

The age of outrage is crippling free speech, argue political writers and Fox News contributors Ham and Benson in their first book. By determining what is too offensive or uncomfortable to discuss, the Left preemptively ends civil debate. Ham and Benson begin with an overview of this attack mode, dissecting how mechanized and kneejerk the Left's response to often-manufactured scandals has become in an effort to win ground. Subsequent chapters delve into separate, generally social, issues to demonstrate the pair's central thesis in action. A core theme is that the Outrage Machine's casualties are carrying over into private life, muzzling citizens who are fearful of disproportionate personal and professional repercussions. The authors argue that the trend of "outrage equals moral authority," which has intensified with the prevalence of social media, not only harms freedom of speech, but freedom in general. VERDICT Both Ham and Benson are self-termed bloggers, and their contemporary prose and presentation makes this volume palatable particularly for younger readers who are used to a more irrelevant style. It is genuinely enjoyable to read while still thoughtfully handling each topic--the lighthearted approach never sacrifices in-depth research or satirizes serious issues.--Laurel Tacoma, Strayer Univ. Lib., Washington, DC

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