I'm so disappointed to hear that the Adelaide Writers' Festival was cancelled due to controversy over a few people's opinions 
. As a parent, I want my kids to learn about different perspectives and ideas, especially from around the world 
. Canceling the festival just to avoid offending some people feels like a missed opportunity to teach them about the importance of free speech and open discussion 
.I think it's okay to disagree with someone's views without silencing them or canceling events
. It's actually an important part of learning how to navigate our differences and find common ground 
. Maybe instead of canceling the festival, they could have just had a more nuanced conversation about the issues that were raised 
.It's also worrying to think that politicians might be trying to dictate what people can and can't say
. As a parent, I want my kids to know that it's okay to ask questions and challenge authority if they don't agree with something 
. This kind of censorship just sets a bad precedent for the future 
.
by what's happening in Adelaide. Canceling the festival just because someone made some comments that were perceived as 'anti-Zionist' is not the answer. It's like, I get where Tony Berg is coming from, but let's have a real conversation about it instead of silencing people. 
The fact that some authors and politicians boycotted the festival just shows how scared they are to have an uncomfortable discussion.
It's like the premier is trying to send a message that any criticism of Israel will be met with swift action. But what about freedom of speech, though? Doesn't that come into play when someone's views are deemed "despicable" or "extreme"? 
It feels like the government is trying to silence dissenting voices instead of encouraging them. I'm all for social cohesion, but not at the expense of our hard-won freedom to express ourselves.