avatarSmillew Rahcuef

Summary

The text satirically explores the slippery slope of endorsing free speech, suggesting it inevitably leads to democracy, which the author implies has been tried and found lacking.

Abstract

The author of the text presents a tongue-in-cheek argument against freedom of speech by outlining a sequence of events that begins with the mere desire for free expression and escalates to the establishment of democratic principles. The piece humorously suggests that by allowing free speech, individuals will naturally progress to discussing ideas with others, peacefully assembling, and eventually engaging in the democratic process, including writing in newspapers and petitioning for change. The author references the past attempt at democracy around the year 2000, questioning its success and implicitly cautioning against the potential consequences of advocating for free speech.

Opinions

  • The author appears to be critical of the concept of free speech, portraying it as a gateway to more demanding and potentially disruptive democratic activities.
  • There is a clear skepticism about the outcomes of democracy, hinting at a past failure without providing specifics.
  • The piece implies that the desire for free speech is naive and that those advocating for it are not fully aware of the ramifications it could have on society.
  • The author seems to view the progression from free speech to democracy as an undesirable or risky trajectory.
  • The satirical tone suggests that the author is not directly opposing free speech but rather inviting readers to reflect on the broader implications of such a right.

100 WORDS

And Then What? Democracy?

Thrifty Words 100 Challenge #35: Free speech

Source

You want freedom of speech?

But if I agree, you’ll want to discuss topics with friends, neighbors, and even strangers! And then what? You’ll want to assemble, peaceably? Coming all together and exchanging ideas freely, is that your plan?

And then? Writing about all these new propositions in newspapers, maybe?

I see where this is going, you know. I give you free speech and the next day I get petitions for redresses of grievances.

No, thank you. We all know what would happen, democracy. That’s what you want? They tried it around 2000, and how did it work for them?

This text was inspired by Melissa R. Mendelson’s prompt and Paul’s answer to it.

Smillew writes, tweets, and masturbates. He also enjoys yoga and meditation. Some he does well, some not so well, but he still tries them all.

On a side note, I won the MWC.

The Bad Influence
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