I don't find this comparison of "cancel culture" or "performative wokeness" to living in a totalitarian state very persuasive. People who are losing their jobs

I don't find this comparison of "cancel culture" or "performative wokeness" to living in a totalitarian state very persuasive. People who are losing their jobs over voicing a controversial opinion are not facing anywhere near the same kind of oppression as those who face imprisonment for speaking out against the state. It's notable that the examples Sullivan cites held or hold fairly high-profile positions in the first place. He's not exactly talking about the struggles of the average person here. I understand that the intelligentsia is the environment in which he lives, so it's natural he would be more familiar with and identify with others in that class, but it still comes across as out of touch to me. Most Americans did not attend university, and do not read the New York Times. Despite its many flaws, one thing that America very much still has going for it - and I'm glad Sullivan at least recognizes this - is a free press. For sure the press follows trends and reports on issues through some lens of bias, but people can still publish independently, and they are largely free to say whatever they like to whoever wants to listen. It's hard to overstate how much of a difference that makes. The fact he is able to write his column and we are able to discuss it shows that he is not - in fact - living in a totalitarian state.