David Brooks' latest Op-Ed in the NYT is titled "I am not Charlie Hebdo." The piece first chastises America and Americans for their "mico-aggressions" against college professors who voice unpopular views and universities that won't host certain speakers.
He then goes on to criticize the dead for never rising above juvenile humor--something that must be tolerated but not considered serious by adults like him--before he concedes its usefulness in public discourse. Some of what Brooks says is worth considering as an argument for a free exchange of all views and our society's squeamishness about hate speech and unpopular views.
What is absolutely wrong with what Brooks does is the way in which he trivializes the expressions of pain and empathy contained in that phrase -- "I am Charlie Hebdo." His use of the "I am not Charlie Hebdo" title is a callous, cruel act. He uses this horrific moment and that powerful symbolic statement as a springboard for a trite homily about free speech.
Shame on you, David Brooks. I have often thought you wrong and occasionally thought you correct in your opinions. Never before have I thought you cruel and callous. Congratulations, you have reached a new level in a dirty game.