From The Epoch Times:
Democracy is a messy thing, relying as it does on debate and dialogue. This means that people we don’t like, or who express unpopular views, or who articulate ideas we find hateful, or subscribe to ideas we think dangerous get to express their annoying, wrong-minded opinions.
As George Orwell put it, “If liberty means anything at all, it means the ability to tell people what they do not want to hear.”
Practically, those of us who are devoted to democratic norms need to listen respectfully to our political adversaries, as well as to those who promulgate ideas that aren’t to our taste or liking. Dialogue is the lifeblood of democracy. Just as a musician requires the ability to improvise in different keys, so, too, do democracies require diverse opinions and free-flowing and open discussions. In short, we need to listen to interlocutors who say things we don’t want to hear.
Free speech is the ne plus ultra of democracy. The freedom to express ourselves candidly and openly protects us from groupthink, irrationalism of various kinds, and authoritarian diktats emanating from across the political spectrum. Investigating and critiquing all ideas and orthodoxies—especially the orthodoxy du jour—is a crucial aspect of democratic life.
This leads us to the controversy between Neil Young and Spotify, which hosts the podcaster, Joe Rogan. Young is unhappy with two guests Rogan has interviewed on his podcast, accusing Rogan of using his show to spread “dangerous misinformation” about vaccines and COVID-19. Young delivered an ultimatum to Spotify: “They can have Rogan or Young. Not both.” Spotify went with Rogan. (Read more.)
1 comment:
The right to be heard doesn't automatically include the right to be taken seriously. It is also easier to form an opinion when you only have some of he facts.
Post a Comment