Linguistic tyranny: the fight for free speech, with Brendan O'Neill
Jul 6, 2023
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Brendan O'Neill, journalist and Chief Political Writer at Spiked, discusses free speech, cancel culture, linguistic tyranny, and the Orwellian assault on reality in Western societies. Topics include the boundaries of free speech, copyright and the right to be wrong, the progressive view of education, the limitations of 'cancel culture', propaganda's impact on truth, the rise of pronouns and the trans movement, the perversion of cultural ideas, and the importance of free speech and making moral judgments.
Cancel culture represents a dangerous encroachment on freedom of speech, where authorities seek to redefine reality itself through coercive measures and censorship.
The demand to use incorrect pronouns and validate ideological falsehoods undermines the pursuit of truth and risks eroding the foundations of a civilized society.
Cancel culture reflects a trend of redefining reality based on ideological delusions, impeding the pursuit of truth and subverting enlightenment values.
Deep dives
The Insidiousness of Cancel Culture
Cancel culture is a term often used to describe the phenomena of individuals being ostracized or penalized for expressing unpopular opinions or challenging dominant narratives. However, the term itself fails to capture the seriousness and depth of the problem. Cancel culture represents a dangerous encroachment on freedom of speech, where authorities seek to redefine reality itself. This includes the redefining of biological facts, such as suggesting that a woman can have a penis or that men can get pregnant. These delusions are increasingly being embraced by the establishment and enforced through coercion and censorship. The consequences are far-reaching, from denying women their own spaces and privacy to eroding the very principles of reason and truth. It is a form of tyranny that requires pushing back against and defending the right to express and defend reality and truth.
The Threat to Freedom of Speech
The trans issue exemplifies the assault on free speech. The demand to use incorrect pronouns or to accept falsehoods like 'her penis' undermines the pursuit of truth. It attempts to redefine reality and suppress dissent. The consequences of not capitulating to these demands are severe, including being labeled bigoted, canceled, or even facing legal repercussions. Free speech is essential for safeguarding not only individual liberties, but also civilization itself. A society where conformity and the denial of reality become the norm is one that risks losing its moral bearings. It is imperative to fight back against the coercion to accept untruths and to defend the right to express and uphold truth.
The Slippery Slope of Censorship
Cancel culture goes beyond merely silencing unpopular opinions. It represents an erosion of enlightenment values, such as reason, freedom of thought, and freedom of speech. It reflects a dangerous trend of redefining reality based on ideological delusions rather than objective truths. The demand to validate falsehoods, such as a man claiming to be a woman or altering official documents to reflect incorrect information, signals a tyranny that denies individuals the ability to express truth. This coercion and authoritarianism impede the pursuit of truth and subvert the principles upon which a free society depends. It is crucial to recognize and resist the encroachment on reason and freedom of speech in order to safeguard the foundations of a civilized society.
The Need to Defend Truth and Reason
The struggle against cancel culture and the disregard for truth is an urgent battle for the preservation of reason and freedom. The acceptance of falsehoods, such as 'her penis,' undermines not only the pursuit of truth but also fundamental principles of civilization. It is crucial to reject the notion that authorities can redefine reality to fit their ideological agenda. Freedom of speech is paramount in allowing individuals to express truth, challenge dominant narratives, and resist authoritarian encroachments. As reality is distorted and the pressure to conform intensifies, defending truth and reason becomes ever more essential in preserving the foundations of a free and enlightened society.
The Shrinking Truth
The podcast episode discusses the distortion of truth in modern society, drawing parallels to George Orwell's 1984. It highlights the example of an 83-year-old woman who, in reality, was a transgender female and committed a violent crime. The episode argues that sacrificing truth for ideology is reminiscent of dystopian nightmare worlds, and emphasizes the importance of demanding the truth and defending the right to express what is seen with one's own eyes.
The Role of Elites and Cultural Shifts
The episode explores the role of elites in promoting and embracing pseudo-religious or cult-like movements such as wokeness and climate change alarmism. It suggests that these movements provide a sense of moral purpose and power for elites who may feel alienated from traditional values. The episode also delves into the cultural ideas of tolerance, diversity, and inclusivity, questioning how these concepts can sometimes override the perception of reality and hinder the ability to make sound moral judgments.
Free speech warrior Brendan O'Neill joins Jonathan for a discussion about free speech, cancel culture, linguistic tyranny and the Orwellian assault on reality afflicting contemporary Western societies.
Brendan is a journalist who has written columns for the Australian, the Spectator and the Big Issue. He is best know for his work at Spiked, where he is Chief Political Writer and formerly Editor. He has published several collections of essays, including Anti-Woke, Duty to Offend and most recently A Heretic’s Manifesto: Essays on the Unsayable.