That is very, very true. It is, frankly, impossible to force change in such a situation unless you already have a large enough soapbox to be heard and can build

That is very, very true. It is, frankly, impossible to force change in such a situation unless you already have a large enough soapbox to be heard and can build a network of similarly minded [and widely read/heard] individuals. I think, regardless of political affiliation, we have to admit to ourselves that most people are prepared & willing to silence people with beliefs they find odious. Please note that I said "beliefs" not "actions". The right to vocalize and discuss our beliefs freely is something that must be fundamentally protected, most especially when it is odious. The only way to do that is to make it both legally permissible [as the law can apply violent force] but also socially permissible to the point of indifference for people to voice different beliefs [even the odious, bigoted ones].