I think its important to draw a distinction between the past and now. In the past, many oppressed people would never have a chance to participate in "the disco

I think its important to draw a distinction between the past and now. In the past, many oppressed people would never have a chance to participate in "the discourse" because the mere act of them speaking could be seen as inappropriate. The violence against them would be leveled at them outside of the realm of discourse. The discourse may have been civilised, but the civilisation wasn't! The idea that those people can all participate in the discussion without the fear of direct fist-to-the-face violence, is to me a positive. I'm pretty sure you already felt that way?