My main point of contention with a lot of folks is that I refuse to censor others over speech that some might consider to be hateful, regardless of whether i agree with it or not. I’ve had some interesting conversations with people about my thoughts on this, and felt like writing an article about why I run this and what do I exactly believe in.
Freedom of speech is for everyone, even those with idiotic opinions. This also includes nazis, fascists, communists, anarchists and extremists from both sides alike. Silencing these people only creates echochambers, where they’re only surrounded by other people like them, nothing is questioned and are more likely to plot violent acts in real life.
We need an open debate to get around these social problems. To fight these social problems, you first have to understand the phenomena causing them. Hiding these social problems only gathers sympathy for extremist movements, giving people a feeling of dissatisfaction and oppression.
As someone who’s been put aside by people in real life and being punished for trying to stand for justice, I have a lot of sympathy towards people who’ve been silenced for their opinions or for saying something socially unacceptable. I got involved with some rather questionable people in an attempt to escape from my real life problems.
I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.
-Voltaire
Cancel culture is a part of the problem, too. People are treated as disposable waste for saying something wrong once and witch-hunted for this for the rest of their lives, without any regard for the possibility of changing. I did a lot of stupid things when I was younger, and absolutely don’t stand by what I did back then.
Some people also hold hateful opinions, not because they’re bad people, but because they’re ignorant and don’t understand differences. They can learn by having positive role models from those groups around them, which isn’t possible when those with different opinions are seperated into echochambers. Just like how Daryl Davis, a black man, attended KKK rallies and deradicalized several Klansmen, simply by chilling around and drinking with them.
If you’re not harming anyone, then why should I care? Opinions expressed in civil discourse don’t cause harm to anyone.
Just know that if you’ve been rejected by society, it’s not your fault. I will defend you and stand with you towards the end.