"You have the right to remain silent." These words, drawn from the
Supreme Court's famous decision in Miranda v. Arizona, have had a
tremendous impact on the public imagination. But what a strange
right this is. Of all the activities that are especially worthy of
protection, that define us as human beings, foster human potential,
and symbolize human ambition, why privilege silence? This
thoughtful and iconoclastic book argues that silence can be an
expression of freedom. A defiant silence demonstrates
determination, courage, and will. Martyrs from a variety of faith
traditions have given up their lives rather than renounce their
god. During the Vietnam era, thousands of anonymous draft resisters
refused to take the military oath that was a prelude to
participating in what they believed was an immoral war. These
silences speak to us. They are a manifestation of connection,
commitment, and meaning. This link between silence and freedom is
apparent in a variety of different contexts, which Seidman examines
individually, including silence and apology, silence and
self-incrimination, silence and interrogation, silence and torture,
and silence and death. In discussing the problem of apology, for
example, the author argues that although apology plays a crucial
role in maintaining the illusion of human connection, the right to
not apologize is equally crucial. Similarly, prohibition against
torture-so prominent in national debate since the events of
Guantanamo and Abu Ghraib-is best understood as a right to silence,
essential in preserving the distinction between mind and body on
which human freedom depends.
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