Speakers' Corner at the British Library

Take a stand; be heard!

Speakers’ Corner is coming to the British Library, with a week of mini public debates outside in the Poets' Circle. In these 45 minute-sessions you’re invited to join specially selected organisations and groups to discuss some of the themes raised in the exhibition.   

Mon 2 Sep                         

• Is the News Propaganda?

What we read in our daily paper is shaped by the interests of the proprietor, the preoccupations of the editor, the resources of the news desk and competition with its rivals to win audiences and advertisers. How likely is it that we will find the truth?

Tue 3 Sep                        

• Thank Goodness for Propaganda!

Can propaganda ever serve the public interest? If so, where should the line be drawn and by whom?

Wed 4 Sep                      

• New Media – New Propaganda?

Does the internet spell an end to propaganda, allowing more democratic communication and quicker responses to events – or does it simply provide new means for the state, and others, to manipulate information and opinion?

Thu 5 Sep                            

• Your Propaganda - My Free Speech

How should we deal with the propaganda of hate? How do we challenge it? Does propaganda have a role to play in democracy's defence? Can censorship ever be justified, and if so in what circumstances?

In partnership with the Speakers' Corner Trust