The authoritarianism of indifference. That’s what [Free Speech Absolutists] are implementing: an infinite acceptance of toxic speech and malicious ideas, built on the accusation that any criticism or attempt at gatekeeping is a slippery slope toward mass censorship. To make it worse, FSA’s focus is toward a handful of issues, all conveniently targeted by far-left activists and groups. It reeks of reactionism. FSA’s and their sympathizers argue they should be able to discuss race IQ “science,” refuse using a person’s preferred pronouns, and mingle with racists and vitriolic conspiracy theorists with no consequences. Absolute freedom, with absolutely no concern for others.
—John-Pierre Maeli, in “Free Speech Absolutists are Letting Arsonists into the Marketplace of Ideas”
Published to write.house by Bix Frankonis. Comments and replies by email are welcome.