Trigger warning: this article contains a sarcastic tone that may offend some coddled readers or those lacking a sense of humor.
A trigger warning is a statement that alerts the reader or viewer of potentially distressing material. These warnings have gotten increased attention in recent months as online articles, for example, triggered readers’ memories from the publications’ disturbing content. Others create a more light-hearted tone (see above). It seems like trigger warnings haven’t been too far from anyone’s mind lately, especially on political campuses such as American University. The university’s Faculty Senate recently held a debate regarding trigger warnings. This debate was comprised entirely of professors and administrators—students were unable to advocate their opinions in the decision. They concluded that making a requirement to include trigger warnings in already lengthy syllabi would infringe on the professors’ freedom of expression.
That’s interesting reasoning, considering that American University requires professors to include the university’s academic integrity code, additional support services, and emergency preparedness statements. AU reminds us to not cheat on tests—as if we haven’t heard this spiel since elementary school—and reassures us that we will continue our costly education even if the campus contracts an ebola outbreak, yet including trigger warnings in the syllabi somehow crosses the line. If professors do not want to be forced to do something—welcome to the real world, honey—that’s perhaps a valid point, but it is ridiculously contradictory to cite an infringement of their freedom of expression to include trigger warnings into their curriculum, yet include other university-mandated statements.
Let’s be clear: a trigger warning doesn’t prevent material from being published. It merely alerts the reader or viewer to what material will be discussed. That seems harmless enough. Let’s also bear in mind that movies and video games alert viewers to any gruesome or otherwise inappropriate content in their ratings. Does this infringe on the producers’ freedom of expression? Nope.
Trigger warnings are necessary. They could potentially save someone from distress and suicidal thoughts, or worse. Does everyone need trigger warnings? No. But acknowledging them could be the difference between a debilitating panic attack, and remaining mentally sound to those who do need trigger warnings. This is a valid viewpoint to recognize when debating the necessity of trigger warnings.
With that being said, it is inappropriate to request trigger warnings for material that reflects an opinion that is different from your own. Sorry princess, but it’s unreasonable to request trigger warnings every time Donald Trump makes an Islamophobic comment or Carly Fiorina spews an outdated marijuana statistic. While there is some material that is genuinely traumatizing to some viewers, that is no excuse to be coddled and protected from something that you personally do not agree with. Perhaps this notion of coddling and protecting young adults is a contributing factor to the trigger warnings’ backlash.
In any case, it is imperative to include students in the dialogue regarding trigger warnings. In the words of American University’s Student Government President, Sasha Gilthorpe, “It is not lost upon us that faculty did not include students in a conversation about our mental health and our voice in a document that is intended to protect free speech until after the resolution had passed. This cannot be a one-sided issue. It must be a conversation. As students, we are here, and we are ready for that conversation. All we ask for is a seat at the table.”
