"Freedom of Speech and John Rocker: A Window of Opportunity for High School Social Studies Teachers"

Although most young people--as is the case with their elders--are supportive of freedom of speech/press in general, the same is not true when one considers First Amendment questions in specific circumstances. The author suggests that popular culture examples, such as the controversy surrounding the recent diatribe of major league pitcher John Rocker, can assist the social studies teacher in helping students move beyond what are, in fact, meaningless generalities. If this does not happen, the author argues, young people--like their elders--will abandon support for First Amendment freedoms at the slightest provocation.