I was not aware the desire for freedom (of speech, and otherwise) was such a uniquely Western ideal. And it's easy not to care about it - until its absence is

I was not aware the desire for freedom (of speech, and otherwise) was such a uniquely Western ideal. And it's easy not to care about it - until its absence is used against you. At that point, it changes from an ideal, to a very pragmatic matter (ask the Uyghurs or Tibetans). But by then it's too late.