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DiscussionWhat do you think of censorship?
What do you think of censorship, and when is it justified? What qualifies as “censorship” and what is just keeping people on topic/enabling productive conversation? If the purpose of free speech is to ensure that the best ideas can “win” and be enacted into our society, then does censoring “bad” ideas become acceptable? If that’s not the purpose of free speech, then what is it for?
Is the reason censorship is bad because human beings cannot be trusted to be responsible with that power, even if some censorship would be beneficial?
If we accept the internet as a sort of public town square, particularly social media, does that mean that moderation of comments qualifies as censorship? I notice that even “free speech absolutists” have rules about who is allowed to talk and when and what about in order to further discussion. If this is acceptable censorship, what is it that justifies it?
The impact cancel culture has had on our society is immense, but cancel culture’s primary method of suppression is social, not through official channels. People are afraid to speak up because they don’t want to lose their support structure, but we can’t exactly pressure people to continue being friends with others they find morally repulsive. Do you have any ideas about how we can undo cancel culture, however vague? Are there any good things about cancel culture?
I know there are a lot of questions here, thank you for bearing with me. I am trying to figure out my position on free speech and censorship, and figured that the clever ladies here might have some insight.
I’m genuinely curious to read your responses, even if you can’t answer all my questions. Thank you!