Can we just not with Nazis and White Supremacists, Anti-Semites and Transphobes?
You didn't hurt my feelings. I just think what you believe in is dangerous to democracy and freedom...Issue #92
When did our interactions with other people turn into a zero sum game? When did it become acceptable that the loudest, most extreme opinions everywhere were available and visible all the time? How is it possible, that in the name of “free speech” we have decided that anti-semites, racists, white supremacists, transphobes, incels, and yes, Nazis, have equal footing when discussing how our society should be ordered?
Their objectives are clear. We know what they want is not humane. How is that a decent and productive conversation?
And what is decency? When former Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart was asked about obscenity, he responded: “I’ll know it when I see it.” I think he’s on to something there.
Speaking of obscenity, take a look below:
Why is this on Substack? Why is this acceptable anywhere? Why would anyone in their right mind consider engaging with someone who thinks this is a rational entry point to a discussion? Why would any corporation be willing to make money off of someone who puts these thoughts out into the world?
I’m not going to link to the picture or the author. Find it on your own at your risk.
Here’s the thing. The right to “Freedom of Speech” is a part of our constitution. It’s a government guarantee that they won’t interfere with our speech. In other words, the government can’t arrest you for saying terrible things. But a private, or even publicly owned company? They can tell you to take a hike if they’re brave enough. Why? Because Substack is not owned by the government. It’s owned by a company and they make the rules.
So if Substack really wants to allow Nazis and white supremacists and racists and anti-semites and misogynists onto their platform, they can. If they want to make money off of them from paid subscriptions, they have every right to do so. The government can’t interfere.
So it’s never been about free speech. If you think so, well, I don’t want to argue about this.
I’ll give you my opinion:
If you run a social media platform, and you’re allowing its members to put content out into the world; you’re a publisher. If you’re a publisher, you have a responsibility to make sure that the content on the platform that has your name on it has some sort of editorial review process.
Responsibilities come with freedom. Deal with it.
If you can explain to me how even the lightest editorial review allows for Nazis, anti-semites, white nationalists, supremacists and transphobes onto your platform, I’d like to hear it.
They already have 4chan.
So what am I going to do with this? Honestly, I don’t exactly know. I’ve been talking with other content creators here. I’ll if I can engage the founders. Maybe I’ll go somewhere else. Maybe I’ll stay her and aggressively moderate my own content. It seems that that is the way things are here in the 21st century. “Hey, here’s some awesome tech. Isn’t this cool? You can do everything all on your own now. Don’t call our service desk. Good luck!”
I do know that there’s no way in heck I’m going to engage the Nazis.
I mean, I hate these guys…
Something way better: Your Moment of Magazine Zen…
I hope you enjoyed this newsletter. If you did so, please give it a boost by clicking “Like” and then subscribing. You’ll get a brand new release in your email in-box every Tuesday (Or sometimes Wednesday, like today, if things get a little hectic around here).
Want to find me on the social sites?
My Instagram link is here.
I’m now hanging out at Post.News and you can find me here on this new app.
I do occasionally put on a suit and tie and comb my hair. Here’s my LinkedInprofile if you want to see me looking all professional.
Yep, I’m still on Twitter. You can find me here, but I’m not spending much time there.
It’s a beautiful, cool day out here on the flatlands by the lake. I hope you’re having a nice day and you can get out and enjoy some spring sunshine. Flip down the lid of your laptop, turn off your notifications. Maybe take a walk. It can be a beautiful world.
