In "It Can't Happen Here," Sinclair Lewis explores the concept of freedom of speech, suggesting that it can be distorted into a mere license when it crosses certain boundaries. The narrative emphasizes that criticism of the military, dissent against advocacy groups like the Daughters of the American Revolution (D.A.R.), and support for controversial social movements can lead to severe consequences. This highlights the tension between freedom of expression and societal norms that seek to suppress dissenting opinions. Lewis critiques the hypocrisy surrounding the notion of free speech, arguing that society often restricts it when it challenges established institutions. The examples he provides illustrate how challenging the status quo can result in a backlash, ultimately questioning the true nature of democratic freedoms. Through this lens, the author warns that the tolerance for diverse viewpoints can wane, leading to an environment where only certain opinions are deemed acceptable.

In "It Can't Happen Here," Sinclair Lewis explores the concept of freedom of speech, suggesting that it can be distorted into a mere license when it crosses certain boundaries. The narrative emphasizes that criticism of the military, dissent against advocacy groups like the Daughters of the American Revolution (D.A.R.), and support for controversial social movements can lead to severe consequences. This highlights the tension between freedom of expression and societal norms that seek to suppress dissenting opinions.

Lewis critiques the hypocrisy surrounding the notion of free speech, arguing that society often restricts it when it challenges established institutions. The examples he provides illustrate how challenging the status quo can result in a backlash, ultimately questioning the true nature of democratic freedoms. Through this lens, the author warns that the tolerance for diverse viewpoints can wane, leading to an environment where only certain opinions are deemed acceptable.