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Friday, June 26, 2020

A word to the wise--DRAFT

Re: free speech/expression


1. Isegoria--saying what's on your mind with a view to engage in discussion with others for a better union.

If you frame what you say in terms of this and thoroughly researched information, not opinion (one-sided "interpretation"), you are safer than otherwise.

2. Parrhesia--"the right" to shoot your mouth off anytime, anywhere, to anyone.

"John Stuart Mill argued that the chief threat to free speech in democracies was not the state, but the 'social tyranny' [or worse] of one's fellow citizens."*

What's a person to do? If you must commit parrhesia, note the above caution and guidelines and:
  • Limit yourself to the best medium for expression and influence for a specific audience.
  • View opposing views as worthy of hearing and understanding, if not acting upon.
  • Act upon the agreed upon after listening, paraphrasing, asking questions, highlighting common ground, and, not leastly, having your brief statements heard, etc.
  • View most of any other noise as theater and find there entertainment.
Shut your eyes, ears, and mouth otherwise. Someone or something will fill any void. Hold on tight if this happens and you are still passive but "invested".
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* https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2017/12/two-concepts-of-freedom-of-speech/546791/