Deadline Fast Approaching to Speak Your Mind about Free Speech

Great American Think-Off Essays Due April 1

New York Mills, MN—March 28, 2024— Writers, armchair philosophers, and everyday people should hurry and share their thoughts about the 2024 Great American Think-Off question: “Is freedom of speech worth the cost?”

People of all ages and backgrounds are encouraged to submit an essay expressing their thoughts by the deadline of April 1, 2024. The top two entrants on each side of the debate will each receive $500 plus travel expenses, along with the chance to win the title of America’s Greatest Thinker at this year’s annual debate held on Saturday, June 8, 2024, in New York Mills.

There are many costs to consider when it comes to freedom of speech, and for this philosophy contest, you must choose whether or not you think those costs are worth it.

Perhaps you believe freedom of speech should be supported at any cost as a matter of principle and a First Amendment right. Or maybe you think the possible negative effects, such as allowing controversial books in school libraries or potentially racist statements to be made at universities outweigh the benefits.

Whatever your position, share your thoughts and you could win $500 and possibly become “America’s Greatest Thinker” for 2024!

To enter the contest, visit kulcher.org/think-off/submit-your-essay/, email [email protected], or mail your essay to NYMRCC, PO Box 246, New York Mills, MN 56567. Essays must be no more than 750 words, and submitted electronically by midnight on April 1 or postmarked by April 1. Entrants should take a strong stand, basing their arguments on personal experience and observations rather than philosophical abstraction. There is no fee to enter.

This year, the Great American Think-Off committee landed on the topic of freedom of speech due to its relevance to current events such as recent gag orders, book bannings, and “cancel culture” as well as to the more timeless concept of personal liberties put forth by America’s founders.

For 31 years, the Great American Think-Off, based in the small rural Minnesota town of New York Mills (population 1,294) has hosted a debate competition for armchair philosophers to engage in civil discourse about life’s biggest questions. The contest has received national acclaim and thousands of entries from all 50 states and more than 30 international countries throughout its 31-year history. The Think-Off question is meant to inspire thinkers from all walks of life.

For additional contest details and information on the past 30 years of civil debate, visit think-off.org or call the Cultural Center at 218-385-3339.

About the Great American Think-Off

Now in its 31st year, The Great American Think-Off is an exhibition of civil disagreement between powerful ideas being explored by everyday people. Designed to bring philosophy down from the ivory towers of academia and accessible to all, the contest has received national acclaim including coverage by C-SPAN, the New York Times, and The Today Show.

The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center, located in the rural farm and manufacturing town of New York Mills, Minnesota, produces this annual philosophy contest and encourages people of all ages and backgrounds to participate.

To get a better sense of the Think-Off, find details, historical information, and a list of the past 30 years of questions and winners on the event website think-off.org.

About the Cultural Center

The New York Mills Regional Cultural Center is a rural hub for creativity, community vitality, and lifelong learning in the arts. Since its incorporation in 1990, the Center has connected people to artists and rich cultural experiences in rural Minnesota, celebrating the local and being a window to the world. The Center offers visitors intimate opportunities to encounter art and artists in its 80-seat concert listening room, visual art gallery in a historic building, gift shop featuring local artists, artist residency program, sculpture park, and a variety of opportunities to learn, grow, and thrive. For more information, call 218-385-3339, or visit www.kulcher.org.