I'm surprised how frequently this line of argument is used. Someone complains about intolerance for their contrarian views, and the response is "boo-hoo, this (

I'm surprised how frequently this line of argument is used. Someone complains about intolerance for their contrarian views, and the response is "boo-hoo, this (male, white) powerful senior editor of this prestigious publication (or whatever) is complaining being censored, but he never gave a shit about (certain oppressed group) being silenced and living in fear — he's just upset some little power is being taken from him". I mean, sure, people care more about what affects them directly. Maybe they have their own contradictions. But the point they make should prevail or fail on its own merits. Plus, I find the whole framing of the issue in terms of power very reductionist. It's a powerful tool, but if we merely want to redistribute power in a more just fashion, then the most efficient way would be to send some people to the guillotine. The means through which we attempt to redistribute the power matter and we should strive to have a more tolerant, liberal society, not the other way around.