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The Mitford Affair


An explosive novel of history's most notorious sisters, one of whom will have to...
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Why do you suppose the Mitford sisters were so emboldened to express their political opinions? Is one always entitled to free speech or are there limits? Where do you draw the line?

Created: 01/12/23

Replies: 12

Posted Jan. 12, 2023 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
davinamw

Join Date: 10/15/10

Posts: 3442

Why do you suppose the Mitford sisters were so emboldened to express their political opinions? Is one always entitled to free speech or are there limits? Where do you draw the line?

The Mitford sisters are proponents of free speech and express their political opinions openly even during times of heightened political tension. Why do you suppose they were so emboldened? Is one always entitled to free speech or are there limits? Where do you draw the line?


Posted Jan. 12, 2023 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
shirleyl

Join Date: 06/01/11

Posts: 73

RE: Why do you suppose the Mitford ...

The Mitford sisters were from the privileged class in Great Britain. They were used to being in contact with powerful people and to having their views heard. Free speech is a guaranteed right in most democracies. However, like all others rights it comes with responsibilities. Citizens are not free to libel or slander others or to incite them to unlawful acts.


Posted Jan. 12, 2023 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
scgirl

Join Date: 06/05/18

Posts: 245

RE: Why do you suppose the Mitford ...

Growing up, it appears, that the Mitford sisters had very little maternal or paternal guidance. Certainly they had a very minimal formal education. I think this allowed them to grow up with very few filters. I strongly believe in free speech but it is important to remember that 1) we are all entitled to that and 2) there may be consequences to what is said.


Posted Jan. 13, 2023 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
Marcia S

Join Date: 02/08/16

Posts: 505

RE: Why do you suppose the Mitford ...

Being part of the "upper crust" of London society, they had been very privileged. They had been looked-up-to so believed that their thoughts and opinions were to be valued. Thus, they were bold in expressing themselves. Free speech involves being exposed to many beliefs and ideas, both positive and negative. I'm opposed to the government and social media deciding who/what should be heard.


Posted Jan. 13, 2023 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
ruthiea

Join Date: 02/03/14

Posts: 271

RE: Why do you suppose the Mitford ...

I agree with the idea that their social status and connections to political and other power allowed them the idea that the were well versed in affairs and could therefore offer their opinions. I also got the sense that in this family the girls had to compete for their parents attention and approval so offering "opinions" may have been one way to stand out.
I love the concept of freedom of speech, but it should be balanced by repercussions for spreading lies and slander. Freedom of speech is a privilege, one that few people/countries actually have and it should be respected no used as a weapon.


Posted Jan. 13, 2023 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
angelaw

Join Date: 05/26/22

Posts: 76

RE: Why do you suppose the Mitford ...

Diana seemed to be older and married when pursuing racism. With Unity, she initially misled them about her intent on studying in Germany.


Posted Jan. 13, 2023 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
angelaw

Join Date: 05/26/22

Posts: 76

RE: Why do you suppose the Mitford ...

Addendum- the sisters also seemed to be searching for meaning and maybe power in their lives and latched on to German facism.


Posted Jan. 13, 2023 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
paulak

Join Date: 04/21/11

Posts: 264

RE: Why do you suppose the Mitford ...

The topic of free speech is a prickly one indeed. In the case of the Mitford's, they seemed accustomed to behaving the way they wanted, protected by their social standing and connection with Churchill. Additionally, the role of women was evolving in dramatic fashion and this also played into their behavior.


Posted Jan. 14, 2023 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
carriem

Join Date: 10/19/20

Posts: 237

RE: Why do you suppose the Mitford ...

The Mitford sisters could use the power and privilege of free speech without fear of consequences because of their families status in society. Thus unlike many others in society they could speak out even if it what they said was not agreeable to many. I also agree with ruthiea point that the girls had to compete to get their parents attention and approval so pinons mattered.


Posted Jan. 16, 2023 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
juliep

Join Date: 04/07/12

Posts: 250

RE: Why do you suppose the Mitford ...

I agree with the above that the Mitford sisters were members of the privileged class in England and thus had more influence. However, I did think it unusual for women at that time to be so outspoken, but then, they were a family of almost all girls. And their parents seemed to be mostly concerned with their own affairs, which may not be too unusual when you have servants to care for your children.


Posted Jan. 16, 2023 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
nancyh

Join Date: 06/25/13

Posts: 347

RE: Why do you suppose the Mitford ...

Given the did not have a proper schooling, they were left to make their own discoveries without knowing all the information. Their Father was a Facist and spoke out in the House. Diana fell in love with a Fascist and would do anything for him, regardless of what happened. Unity was young and had a crush on Hitler. Under normal conditions, this would remain a crush, but these girls had the money and chance to do something about it. There seemed to be no limits put on these girls.


Posted Jan. 16, 2023 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
linz

Join Date: 08/12/15

Posts: 167

RE: Why do you suppose the Mitford ...

I agree that the lack of formal education and their staus in society allowed them to live as they chose. I wish we knew more about their brother Tom ( whom I assume was at least educated) and his involvement in politics and society. Would he have tried to restrain his sisters from voicing their opinions, talk to his parents about their beliefs or did he agree with his family?
Rich people don't leave their counrty when things are not to their liking, they try to influence change.


Posted Feb. 20, 2023 Go to Top | Go to bottom | link | alert
patriciag's Gravatar
patriciag

Join Date: 07/11/14

Posts: 69

RE: Why do you suppose the Mitford ...

I don't think the Mitford girls ever gave the concept of free speech as a democratic principle a thought. They grew up in a rarified atmosphere where they said and did anything they wanted without thought of social consequences.


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