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> The problem in 2019, is that people are trying to do end-runs around Freedom of Speech not through argument, but through reputation smearing and de-platformin
by sampleinajar 7y ago
> The problem in 2019, is that people are trying to do end-runs around Freedom of Speech not through argument, but through reputation smearing and de-platforming.
This is absolutely not a new phenomenon. "Red scare" anyone? Free speech has never protected an individual from social consequences only government/state consequences. We probably agree that it's not a good thing, but it's definitely not new nor has it ever not existed.
- stcredzero 7y agoFree speech has never protected an individual from social consequences only government/state consequences. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marsh_v._Alabama https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marsh_v._Alabama Jewish people being excluded from clubs is one example of "social consequences." Women being excluded from the clubs other executives attended was another.
- sampleinajar 7y agoSure. I see how you are using "free speech". I was just objecting to your conceit that this is somehow a new thing which you clearly, with your examples, realize is not true. A misreading on my part I think.
- stcredzero 7y agoI see how you are using "free speech". Not sure what you mean here. If Jewish person were allowed into restricted clubs, and people could talk to them and evaluate them on their character, then the true spirit of Free Speech would have been served by this. If a woman would be allowed into the old boy circles, allowed to succeed on her own intelligence and merits, then the true spirit of Free Speech would have been served by this. Free Speech is important on a purely Epistemological Basis. Sometimes, it's the unpopular ideas which turn out to be the important ones. So long as we can protect Free Speech and the Right to Hear, the unpopular ideas can have a chance to be heard.