I’ve just realised I have unintentionally written a (quasi-popular, if the stats are to be believed) series on political correctness, free speech, and offence. The general theme is the irony and hypocrisy of people who are pro “free speech” when they attempt to belittle, demean and silence others. They can happily dish it out, but they can’t take it. It could form a useful primer when dealing with someone who is acting up like an asshole. Naturally, the comments sections under each are full of goons, but what can you do?
I suppose it’s best read in this order:
- We’re Offended? – No, we’re not. Characterising objections as “offence” is nothing but a short and easy way to dismiss someone without engaging with them.
- Freedom, Responsibility and Privilege of Speech – We rarely talk about absolute “freedom”, we balance it with “responsibility” against the context of “privilege”. So why not for speech?
- So You’ve Been No-Platformed? – However will you cope now that your only outlet is through a nationally syndicated newspaper column, a mainstream radio show interview and plenty of press attention focused on you?
- Yes, You Are Allowed To Say Whatever You Want – What people really seem to want, isn’t freedom of speech, but freedom from criticism and consequences.
- Political Correctness is a Myth – It’s a boogeyman that’s just been made up.
Anyway, if more gets written on this, I’ll add it to this list. It seems like a fun little project.
Spherical Bullshit 