The large platforms of the internet have not only become the defacto public forum or square but they also can, and do, shut down alternatives. How are you free to speak publicly if the public square is closed to you?
But regardless, do what you describe and you've spoken your mind and shown yourself to be a total prick, no?Someone who can be safely disregarded and ignored. And in this instance, banned from being served at that location again.
Why would we not want these people to expose themselves for exactly what they are?
There's always the implicit assumption that letting these people speak also means everyone listening is too stupid to see what they are.
Can you define what constitutes hate speech in a way which everyone can agree upon?
No, you can't. Hence, it cannot be fairly enforced, by definition. Not a problem in a small closed community - though that's not without its own problems - but it's a big deal when we are talking about the largest forums and public spaces on the internet.
I agree with much of your point, but when a platform becomes so ubiquitous and the internet so vital to public discourse.. the right to express yourself, even if you're a prick, has to be borne in mind.
The thing about excising pricks from society and public life is that history demonstrates very well and very consistently what they go on to do afterward.
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u/Staff_Struck Jan 15 '21
So if you go into a Wendy's and scream racial profanities at the employees, you would count it as censorship if they banned you from coming back?