Freedom of speech versus consequences

It amazes me how many people here and online in general genuinely believe freedom of speech means freedom from any consequences for their words.

That is not how it works.

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CountScrofula · 41-45, M

The free speech stuff is almost entirely about power. It's not about say, my ability to say what I want. It's about their ability to exist in an environment where they and their politics are centred as the 'normal' and the notion of what is unacceptable shifts to their opponents.

This isn't thought of in those terms, but that's what it comes down to. You can see this play out in real time with Elon Musk. Or hell, see how many free speech warriors support banning LGBT content from school curriculum.

What irritates me though is nobody talks about it in those terms. None of this shit is about free speech on almost any side, it's about who gets to win the discourse.

Scribbles · 36-40, F

@CountScrofula That's a really good point. You're right that should be talked about.

It's something everyone should consider.