The New Thought Police

The New Thought Police exposes how political correctness and identity politics can limit free speech and open dialogue in American society. Former progressive activist Tammy Bruce draws from her experiences to examine the tactics used to control and censor opposing viewpoints. Bruce presents case studies and examples of how various institutions, from universities to media outlets, participate in what she terms "thought policing." The book outlines specific incidents where individuals faced consequences for expressing views that challenged prevailing progressive orthodoxy. Drawing on her background in feminist activism and her later break with the movement, Bruce analyzes how social justice movements can sometimes undermine the very principles of freedom they claim to champion. The work includes her recommendations for protecting free speech while maintaining civil discourse. This 2003 book remains relevant to current debates about cancel culture, ideological conformity, and the balance between sensitivity and freedom of expression. It raises questions about who gets to determine acceptable speech and thought in a democratic society.

Readers frequently note the book's commentary on censorship and political correctness, with many conservatives appreciating Bruce's insider perspective as a former liberal activist. Reviews highlight her examples of speech suppression on college campuses and in media. Liked: - Clear writing style and specific examples - Personal anecdotes from author's experience - Discussion of both left and right censorship attempts Disliked: - Some readers found arguments one-sided - Limited solutions offered - Dated examples (published 2001) - Repetitive points Ratings: Amazon: 4.5/5 (107 reviews) Goodreads: 3.8/5 (89 ratings) Sample reader comments: "Provides valuable insight into how activist groups operate" - Amazon reviewer "Too focused on attacking the left while ignoring right-wing censorship" - Goodreads review "Her firsthand knowledge adds credibility, but conclusions seem predetermined" - LibraryThing user

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🔍 Author Tammy Bruce was president of the Los Angeles chapter of NOW (National Organization for Women) from 1990-1996, providing insider perspective on the issues she critiques 📚 The book, published in 2001, predicted many of the cultural debates about "cancel culture" that would become prominent in the late 2010s and early 2020s 💭 Bruce identifies as a "classical liberal" who broke ranks with progressive orthodoxy, making her critique of left-wing thought policing particularly notable 📖 The book specifically examines how both conservative and liberal groups have attempted to control speech and thought, rather than focusing solely on one ideological side 🎓 Bruce wrote this book while serving as a radio host and adjunct professor at USC, incorporating both academic analysis and real-world media examples into her work