Why Censorship and Cancel Culture Make America Weaker

It’s hard to tell whether the liberal love of censorship and cancel culture comes from sheer arrogance or the fear that the American people will reject their ideas if the other side gets a fair hearing. Perhaps it’s something in-between the two… what psychologists like to call fragile high self-esteem:

There are many kinds of high self-esteem, and in this study, we found that for those in which it is fragile and shallow it’s no better than having low self-esteem. People with fragile high self-esteem compensate for their self-doubts by engaging in exaggerated tendencies to defend, protect and enhance their feelings of self-worth.

Whatever the case may be, the impulse towards censoring and canceling contrary opinions in American culture today is extraordinarily harmful. Even setting aside the fact that “freedom of speech” is such a foundational American value that it’s mentioned in the First Amendment of the Constitution, there are a myriad of problems tied to or stemming directly from censorship and cancel culture.

For one thing, it’s one of the many reasons why America is increasingly becoming a low-trust culture. How can I trust you if you’re not free to say what you really think? More importantly, why would I trust you if you don’t think I should be free to say what I really think?

It also contributes to tribalism. Because if you are not allowed to listen to me and say, “Gee, that idea you have actually makes sense,” because you’ll be ostracized and maybe even canceled, tribalism becomes the safe choice. It’s much easier to say, “Those are bad people, and we won’t even listen to them,” than it is to address their ideas and in the process, start thinking or believing something that may get YOU censored or canceled. This is part of the reason our society has started to replace honesty and authenticity with outrage peddlers who specialize in getting as close as they can to the line where they’ll be censored without going over it. Instead of original thinkers, we’re increasingly getting people repeating bumper sticker slogans their side agrees with because at least that won’t get them in trouble. It’s more boring because we realize that at its core, it’s safe and fake, not what anyone really thinks.

This is also why, despite our endless streams of information and entertainment, our public speech is becoming increasingly pointless. It’s because of self-censorship driven by fear of being canceled. It’s just like Chris Rock said:

I see a lot of unfunny comedians, I see unfunny TV shows, I see unfunny award shows, I see unfunny movies ’cause no one’s — everybody’s scared to, like, you know, make a move. You know, that’s not a place to be. We should have the right to fail. Because failure is a part of art. You know what I mean? It’s the ultimate cancel, but now you got a place where people are scared to talk, that’s not — especially in America — you’re scared to talk, but that’s what people want, you gotta make adjustments and, you know, let’s do it.

Additionally, censorship inevitably ends up being arbitrary. White supremacists have objectionable views. Of course, so do critical race theorists, members of Black Lives Matter and the Nation of Islam, communists, socialists, anarchists, atheists, Satanists, and pretty much everyone who puts a pronoun in their bio. Do you think Donald Trump is too dangerous to be allowed to speak? Okay, but then what about the Squad, Nancy Pelosi, Bernie Sanders, and Eric Swalwell? Inevitably, the vast majority of people getting censored are just people the censors fear, dislike, or are jealous of and believe they can get away with canceling. If the social media monopolies believed they could get away with censoring the average Republican without significantly hurting their bottom line, they’d happily do it.

Of course, all of this is making our society more ignorant and mentally flabby. For example, what does it say about our society that people are apparently so incapable of refuting white supremacists or conspiracy theorists that those people have to be censored? Maybe more people should get off Twitter and try reading some books for a change and this will become less of a problem. Being exposed to the counterarguments to poorly reasoned thought is like getting a vaccine. If you haven’t heard the other side, then even something as stupid as the idea that the earth is flat can start to make sense to millions of people. If all these people are forced into dark corners of the Internet, where they mainly interact with other people that agree with them, their views will likely become more entrenched. Meanwhile, the people that are censored will appear more edgy and hip to people on the fence. “Those guys are so dangerous they had to CENSOR them!” However, if these bad actors were able to talk in public, smart people could actually refute their bad ideas publicly.

This leads us to the worst part of censorship and cancel culture. That is, contrary to what a lot of people seem to believe, no one has all the answers, which inevitably means that censorship and cancel culture often lock in bad or untrue ideas. The “experts” get it wrong all the time while culture and opinions about “the facts” change regularly. Being in favor of slavery was an unremarkable belief 220 years ago. 120 years ago, the general consensus was that women shouldn’t be allowed to vote. Sixty years ago, we hadn’t reached a “scientific consensus” on the idea that smoking was bad for people. Anyone who thinks they have it all figured out culturally, ethically, morally, or scientifically is not just wrong, they’re ignorant. The smarter people get, the more they realize that they don’t have all the answers and need to hear alternate ideas and opinions. It’s hard for people to offer up those ideas and opinions when a joke tweet from 2010 can cost them their careers. Without the freedom to openly discuss ideas, make jokes, and offer opinions, we can’t grow, thrive, and reach our potential as a society. To be a truly free people, we need free speech.

172 thoughts on “Why Censorship and Cancel Culture Make America Weaker

  1. I discovered your weblog site on google and test just a few of your early posts. Proceed to maintain up the very good operate. I simply extra up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. Looking for ahead to reading extra from you later on!…

  2. Howdy! Would you mind if I share your blog with my twitter group? There’s a lot of folks that I think would really enjoy your content. Please let me know. Cheers

  3. Very efficiently written post. It will be beneficial to anyone who utilizes it, as well as yours truly :). Keep up the good work – can’r wait to read more posts.

  4. Hello there, I discovered your web site by means of Google at the same time as looking for a similar subject, your site came up, it seems to be good. I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.

  5. Hello! I just would like to give a huge thumbs up for the great info you have here on this post. I will be coming back to your blog for more soon.

  6. Excellent blog! Do you have any hints for aspiring writers? I’m planning to start my own blog soon but I’m a little lost on everything. Would you propose starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many options out there that I’m totally confused .. Any suggestions? Bless you!

  7. An impressive share, I just given this onto a colleague who was doing a little analysis on this. And he in fact bought me breakfast because I found it for him.. smile. So let me reword that: Thnx for the treat! But yeah Thnkx for spending the time to discuss this, I feel strongly about it and love reading more on this topic. If possible, as you become expertise, would you mind updating your blog with more details? It is highly helpful for me. Big thumb up for this blog post!

  8. Thanks for the auspicious writeup. It actually used to be a leisure account it. Look complicated to more added agreeable from you! By the way, how can we keep up a correspondence?

  9. fantastic publish, very informative. I ponder why the other experts of this sector do not notice this. You should continue your writing. I’m sure, you have a great readers’ base already!

  10. I’m still learning from you, but I’m improving myself. I absolutely enjoy reading everything that is posted on your blog.Keep the stories coming. I enjoyed it!

  11. I would like to thnkx for the efforts you’ve put in writing this site. I am hoping the same high-grade site post from you in the upcoming as well. Actually your creative writing abilities has inspired me to get my own blog now. Really the blogging is spreading its wings rapidly. Your write up is a good example of it.

  12. you’re really a good webmaster. The web site loading speed is incredible. It seems that you’re doing any unique trick. Also, The contents are masterwork. you have done a great job on this topic!

  13. I do agree with all the ideas you have presented in your post. They’re really convincing and will definitely work. Still, the posts are too short for novices. Could you please extend them a bit from next time? Thanks for the post.

  14. Simply want to say your article is as astounding. The clearness for your put up is simply great and i can think you’re an expert on this subject. Well together with your permission allow me to seize your feed to stay updated with drawing close post. Thanks 1,000,000 and please keep up the rewarding work.

  15. Can I just say what a relief to find someone who actually knows what theyre talking about on the internet. You definitely know how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More people need to read this and understand this side of the story. I cant believe youre not more popular because you definitely have the gift.

  16. What i don’t understood is if truth be told how you’re now not really a lot more smartly-favored than you may be right now. You’re very intelligent. You recognize therefore considerably on the subject of this topic, produced me in my opinion believe it from numerous varied angles. Its like men and women don’t seem to be interested unless it’s one thing to accomplish with Lady gaga! Your own stuffs great. Always maintain it up!

  17. This is the correct blog for anybody who desires to find out about this topic. You notice so much its almost exhausting to argue with you (not that I truly would need…HaHa). You definitely put a brand new spin on a subject thats been written about for years. Nice stuff, just nice!

  18. Excellent post. I was checking continuously this weblog and I’m inspired! Extremely useful info specifically the remaining phase :) I maintain such info much. I used to be looking for this particular information for a long time. Thanks and good luck.

  19. Spot on with this write-up, I really assume this web site wants much more consideration. I’ll probably be once more to read far more, thanks for that info.

  20. Hey would you mind sharing which blog platform you’re using? I’m looking to start my own blog soon but I’m having a difficult time choosing between BlogEngine/Wordpress/B2evolution and Drupal. The reason I ask is because your design and style seems different then most blogs and I’m looking for something unique. P.S My apologies for being off-topic but I had to ask!

  21. Have you ever considered about adding a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is important and everything. However imagine if you added some great images or videos to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with pics and clips, this blog could undeniably be one of the greatest in its field. Superb blog!

  22. It is truly a nice and useful piece of information. I am happy that you simply shared this useful info with us. Please stay us up to date like this. Thank you for sharing.

  23. Somebody essentially help to make seriously posts I would state. This is the very first time I frequented your web page and thus far? I amazed with the research you made to create this particular publish extraordinary. Excellent job!

  24. Hi there! I could have sworn I’ve been to this website before but after checking through some of the post I realized it’s new to me. Anyhow, I’m definitely glad I found it and I’ll be book-marking and checking back often!

  25. This is really interesting, You’re a very skilled blogger. I’ve joined your feed and look forward to seeking more of your wonderful post. Also, I’ve shared your web site in my social networks!

  26. I love what you guys tend to be up too. This kind of clever work and reporting! Keep up the excellent works guys I’ve added you guys to my blogroll.

  27. Hello, Neat post. There’s an issue along with your site in internet explorer, would check thisK IE still is the marketplace leader and a big component to other people will pass over your excellent writing because of this problem.

  28. Hiya, I’m really glad I have found this info. Nowadays bloggers publish only about gossips and net and this is actually annoying. A good website with exciting content, that is what I need. Thank you for keeping this site, I’ll be visiting it. Do you do newsletters? Can not find it.

  29. Hi would you mind letting me know which webhost you’re using? I’ve loaded your blog in 3 completely different browsers and I must say this blog loads a lot faster then most. Can you recommend a good hosting provider at a honest price? Many thanks, I appreciate it!

  30. This blog is definitely rather handy since I’m at the moment creating an internet floral website – although I am only starting out therefore it’s really fairly small, nothing like this site. Can link to a few of the posts here as they are quite. Thanks much. Zoey Olsen

  31. I discovered your blog site on google and check a few of your early posts. Continue to keep up the very good operate. I just additional up your RSS feed to my MSN News Reader. Seeking forward to reading more from you later on!…

  32. Having read this I thought it was very informative. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this article together. I once again find myself spending way to much time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worth it!

  33. I have read several good stuff here. Certainly value bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how much effort you put to create this kind of excellent informative website.

  34. Aw, this was a really nice post. In concept I wish to put in writing like this moreover – taking time and precise effort to make a very good article… but what can I say… I procrastinate alot and not at all seem to get something done.

  35. Youre so cool! I dont suppose Ive learn something like this before. So nice to seek out anyone with some unique thoughts on this subject. realy thanks for beginning this up. this website is something that is wanted on the web, somebody with somewhat originality. useful job for bringing one thing new to the web!

  36. I think this is among the most vital information for me. And i’m glad reading your article. But wanna remark on some general things, The web site style is wonderful, the articles is really nice :D. Good job, cheers

  37. Do you mind if I quote a couple of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources back to your site? My blog site is in the very same area of interest as yours and my users would genuinely benefit from some of the information you provide here. Please let me know if this okay with you. Regards!

  38. I am not certain where you’re getting your info, however great topic. I must spend a while studying more or working out more. Thank you for wonderful info I was searching for this info for my mission.

  39. I like the helpful info you provide in your articles. I will bookmark your blog and check again here frequently. I am quite certain I’ll learn lots of new stuff right here! Best of luck for the next!

  40. I have learn several good stuff here. Certainly value bookmarking for revisiting. I wonder how a lot attempt you place to create any such great informative web site.

  41. I do not even know how I ended up here, but I thought this post was good. I do not know who you are but certainly you are going to a famous blogger if you aren’t already ;) Cheers!

  42. I’ve learn some excellent stuff here. Certainly worth bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how a lot effort you place to create such a magnificent informative site.

  43. whoah this blog is great i really like studying your posts. Stay up the good work! You recognize, a lot of people are searching around for this information, you can help them greatly.

  44. I like what you guys are up also. Such intelligent work and reporting! Keep up the superb works guys I have incorporated you guys to my blogroll. I think it’ll improve the value of my site :)

  45. Hi, i read your blog occasionally and i own a similar one and i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam feedback? If so how do you protect against it, any plugin or anything you can recommend? I get so much lately it’s driving me mad so any support is very much appreciated.

  46. Excellent blog here! Also your website loads up very fast! What web host are you using? Can I get your affiliate link to your host? I wish my website loaded up as quickly as yours lol

  47. It is the best time to make some plans for the future and it’s time to be happy. I’ve learn this put up and if I may I want to recommend you some fascinating things or tips. Perhaps you could write next articles referring to this article. I wish to read more things about it!

  48. naturally like your web-site however you need to take a look at the spelling on several of your posts. Several of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very troublesome to inform the reality nevertheless I will certainly come back again.

  49. I think this is among the most important information for me. And i’m glad reading your article. But wanna remark on some general things, The website style is ideal, the articles is really nice :D. Good job, cheers

  50. Nice read, I just passed this onto a friend who was doing a little research on that. And he just bought me lunch since I found it for him smile So let me rephrase that: Thanks for lunch!

  51. You have observed very interesting points! ps nice internet site. “I’m going to a special place when I die, but I want to make sure my life is special while I’m here.” by Payne Stewart.

  52. Greetings from Florida! I’m bored at work so I decided to browse your site on my iphone during lunch break. I enjoy the info you present here and can’t wait to take a look when I get home. I’m surprised at how fast your blog loaded on my cell phone .. I’m not even using WIFI, just 3G .. Anyhow, superb site!

  53. I was more than happy to search out this net-site.I wished to thanks to your time for this wonderful read!! I definitely enjoying every little bit of it and I’ve you bookmarked to take a look at new stuff you blog post.

  54. Woah! I’m really loving the template/theme of this blog. It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s challenging to get that “perfect balance” between user friendliness and appearance. I must say that you’ve done a amazing job with this. Additionally, the blog loads very fast for me on Chrome. Exceptional Blog!

  55. Thanx for the effort, keep up the good work Great work, I am going to start a small Blog Engine course work using your site I hope you enjoy blogging with the popular BlogEngine.net.Thethoughts you express are really awesome. Hope you will right some more posts.

  56. Whats up this is kind of of off topic but I was wanting to know if blogs use WYSIWYG editors or if you have to manually code with HTML. I’m starting a blog soon but have no coding expertise so I wanted to get advice from someone with experience. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

  57. Hello there, I found your site via Google while looking for a related topic, your site came up, it looks good. I’ve bookmarked it in my google bookmarks.

  58. Hey there! I know this is kinda off topic but I was wondering if you knew where I could locate a captcha plugin for my comment form? I’m using the same blog platform as yours and I’m having difficulty finding one? Thanks a lot!

  59. I have learn a few excellent stuff here. Certainly price bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how so much attempt you place to make any such wonderful informative website.

  60. Thank you, I have just been searching for info about this topic for ages and yours is the best I’ve discovered so far. But, what about the conclusion? Are you sure about the source?

  61. Some really fantastic posts on this internet site, thanks for contribution. “Always aim for achievement, and forget about success.” by Helen Hayes.

  62. I’ve read a few good stuff here. Certainly worth bookmarking for revisiting. I surprise how much effort you put to create such a magnificent informative website.

  63. I’m not sure where you’re getting your info, however good topic. I must spend a while studying much more or working out more. Thanks for great info I was looking for this info for my mission.

  64. I’ve recently started a blog, the information you offer on this site has helped me greatly. Thanks for all of your time & work. “There is a time for many words, and there is also a time for sleep.” by Homer.

  65. Wonderful blog! I found it while browsing on Yahoo News. Do you have any suggestions on how to get listed in Yahoo News? I’ve been trying for a while but I never seem to get there! Thank you

  66. An interesting discussion is worth comment. I think that you should write more on this topic, it might not be a taboo subject but generally people are not enough to speak on such topics. To the next. Cheers

  67. Hello there, You have performed an incredible job. I’ll definitely digg it and personally recommend to my friends. I am sure they will be benefited from this website.

  68. Excellent blog! Do you have any tips for aspiring writers? I’m planning to start my own blog soon but I’m a little lost on everything. Would you advise starting with a free platform like WordPress or go for a paid option? There are so many choices out there that I’m totally overwhelmed .. Any tips? Cheers!

  69. It’s actually a cool and helpful piece of information. I’m satisfied that you shared this helpful info with us. Please stay us up to date like this. Thanks for sharing.

  70. Hey There. I found your blog using msn. This is a really well written article. I’ll make sure to bookmark it and come back to read more of your useful information. Thanks for the post. I will certainly return.

  71. Its like you learn my mind! You seem to know so much approximately this, like you wrote the ebook in it or something. I think that you simply can do with a few percent to drive the message house a bit, but instead of that, this is magnificent blog. A great read. I will definitely be back.

  72. Write more, thats all I have to say. Literally, it seems as though you relied on the video to make your point. You clearly know what youre talking about, why throw away your intelligence on just posting videos to your blog when you could be giving us something enlightening to read?

  73. I keep listening to the rumor speak about receiving boundless online grant applications so I have been looking around for the most excellent site to get one. Could you tell me please, where could i acquire some?

  74. Thank you for the sensible critique. Me & my neighbor were just preparing to do a little research about this. We got a grab a book from our area library but I think I learned more from this post. I’m very glad to see such fantastic information being shared freely out there.

  75. A lot of whatever you say is astonishingly appropriate and it makes me ponder the reason why I had not looked at this with this light previously. Your piece truly did switch the light on for me as far as this specific subject goes. Nevertheless at this time there is actually 1 issue I am not too cozy with so whilst I make an effort to reconcile that with the actual main theme of the issue, let me see what the rest of the subscribers have to point out.Very well done.

  76. This is very interesting, You are a very skilled blogger. I have joined your rss feed and look forward to seeking more of your great post. Also, I’ve shared your web site in my social networks!

  77. Can I just say what a relief to find someone who actually knows what theyre talking about on the internet. You definitely know how to bring an issue to light and make it important. More people need to read this and understand this side of the story. I cant believe youre not more popular because you definitely have the gift.

  78. Wow, fantastic blog layout! How long have you been blogging for? you made blogging look easy. The overall look of your website is magnificent, as well as the content!

  79. An interesting dialogue is price comment. I think that you need to write more on this topic, it may not be a taboo topic however usually persons are not sufficient to talk on such topics. To the next. Cheers

  80. Aw, this was a really nice post. In concept I want to put in writing like this moreover – taking time and actual effort to make an excellent article… however what can I say… I procrastinate alot and not at all seem to get something done.

  81. It’s in point of fact a nice and helpful piece of info. I’m happy that you just shared this helpful info with us. Please stay us informed like this. Thanks for sharing.

  82. naturally like your web-site but you need to check the spelling on quite a few of your posts. Several of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very bothersome to tell the truth nevertheless I will surely come back again.

  83. Hello, i read your blog from time to time and i own a similar one and i was just wondering if you get a lot of spam remarks? If so how do you stop it, any plugin or anything you can recommend? I get so much lately it’s driving me insane so any help is very much appreciated.

  84. Needed to put you one very little remark in order to thank you over again on the splendid information you have shared in this case. This has been pretty open-handed of people like you to offer openly precisely what a number of people could possibly have distributed as an ebook to get some bucks for their own end, certainly given that you could possibly have tried it if you considered necessary. Those guidelines as well worked as the fantastic way to comprehend other individuals have similar dream much like my own to figure out more and more related to this condition. I am certain there are lots of more pleasant occasions up front for those who look into your blog.

  85. Having read this I thought it was very informative. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this article together. I once again find myself spending way to much time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worth it!

  86. you are in point of fact a just right webmaster. The site loading pace is incredible. It sort of feels that you are doing any unique trick. Also, The contents are masterpiece. you have done a wonderful job on this matter!

Leave a Reply to situs demo Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

 

Share this!

Enjoy reading? Share it with your friends!