I’d argue that the whole idea of free speech as some universal ideal is little more than a propaganda talking point. Every society draws lines, whether it’s hate speech, defamation, or incitement to violence. So why does the West act like it’s cracked the code on the perfect balance? The outright political chaos we’re seeing in the West would suggest that Western model isn’t viable.
The hegemonic liberal conceptualization of free speech is fairly stable, and it’s understood that it doesn’t mean literally all speech. That’s the free speech I mean. But even under that meaning—which is one of the pillars of liberal ideology—neither side is giving it anything but lip service. It’s still only rhetoric to appear to be upholding liberal ideals.
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I should go without saying that neither side is the side of free speech, but for speech aligned with their agenda.
I’d argue that the whole idea of free speech as some universal ideal is little more than a propaganda talking point. Every society draws lines, whether it’s hate speech, defamation, or incitement to violence. So why does the West act like it’s cracked the code on the perfect balance? The outright political chaos we’re seeing in the West would suggest that Western model isn’t viable.
The hegemonic liberal conceptualization of free speech is fairly stable, and it’s understood that it doesn’t mean literally all speech. That’s the free speech I mean. But even under that meaning—which is one of the pillars of liberal ideology—neither side is giving it anything but lip service. It’s still only rhetoric to appear to be upholding liberal ideals.
Exactly, it’s just a fig leaf to justify what the ruling class wants to do.