Warning: this article contains mentions of abuse and rape.
Recently, the University of Chicago has announced that it does not support using trigger warnings and safe spaces while educating its students. In a letter to incoming freshmen, University of Chicago Dean John Ellis wrote, “Our commitment to academic freedom means that we do not support so-called 'trigger warnings,' we do not cancel invited speakers because their topics might prove controversial, and we do not condone the creation of intellectual 'safe spaces' where individuals can retreat from ideas and perspectives at odds with their own.”
The discussion of trigger warnings and safe spaces has been becoming more and more prevalent within recent years. Opponents to it argue that the usage of trigger warnings and safe spaces prohibit education and freedom of thought, such as Ellis described in his letter. While it is a valid argument, the problem remains that the purpose of trigger warnings and safe spaces is grossly misunderstood.
What is a trigger?
There are multiple types of triggers -- other than the obvious PTSD triggers, there are addiction triggers, eating disorder triggers, misophonia triggers, OCD triggers, self harm triggers and triggers for all forms of anxiety disorders. All a trigger does is cause an overwhelming sense of panic, anxiety and sadness among other things (accompanied with a flashback for those with PTSD, and can cause relapses in those struggling with eating disorders, addiction and self harm).
To give a trigger warning is to alert those with triggers about what is about to be exposed to them so they can take the proper precautions necessary to avoid a very unpleasant emotional response. It is not a way to “censor” conversations or prevent people from sitting through uncomfortable subjects -- triggers are a result of actual psychiatric disorders. However, even this explanation is not safe from criticisms.
Aren't some triggers not really triggers, though?
There are some odd triggers out there to say the least -- but some have very valid reason.
To elaborate, the smallest things can trigger PTSD. A person who was sexually abused growing up, for instance, might be triggered at something as random as a certain band because they experienced their abuse whenever that band was playing, or it was the favorite band of their abuser.
Another example: phobias. Phobic disorder is defined by the DSM-5 as “an anxiety disorder classification that represents unreasonable or irrational fear related to a specific object or situation.” Of course phobia triggers seem ridiculous -- that’s because by definition they’re irrational.
The knee jerk reaction to most people asking for the trigger warnings is to either accuse them of being fake or to claim the only way to get better is to face it head on. Both responses are highly disrespectful. The latter response completely ignores the severity of what it’s like to be triggered, and the struggle of recovery. The former is a trickier situation; while it’s true that there are those who misunderstand the usage of triggers but insist on trigger warnings anyway, the fact remains that it takes barely any time at all to make that warning prominent, real or not.
Of course, it’s impossible to cover every trigger that could possibly exist, but to judge others harshly for reacting badly to seemingly innocuous things overlooks the possibility that such a thing could be triggering to someone. So to use trigger warnings, or to be gentle with those who say they have been triggered, isn’t the result of the evil censorship of political correctness. It’s basic human empathy and respect.
Why are safe spaces necessary?
Safe spaces go hand in hand with trigger warnings. The point of safe spaces (and trigger warnings) isn’t to curate a sanitized atmosphere where truths of reality are perpetually denied. Instead, they provide a break from it, and allow an area for people with marginalized identities (including those with mental illnesses) to speak without the fear of being discriminated against or triggered. Instead of prohibiting discussion, it allows those who otherwise wouldn’t be able to get a word in the ability to converse.
Advocating against trigger warnings and space spaces isn’t a valiant act in the face of totalitarianism, it’s acting against a number of minority groups and denying them the same right to make their voice heard in an atmosphere that fosters active listening, open-mindedness and caring attitudes among other things.
So is this really the end to uneasy, but crucial, discussion?
It’s more than possible to for uncomfortable conversations to coexist with safe spaces and trigger warnings. Safe spaces and trigger warnings aren’t the end of discussing heavy situations. It’s only a tool to make them easier for some people. After all, it’s no fun to have your physics teacher have to call the nurse after a panic attack suddenly leaves you unable to breathe because the topic of space exploration is related to one of three phobias you’ve been diagnosed with. I know from personal experience.