Re: Willingness to share a position statement?
Do we really have to go through this argument *again*?
On Wed, Mar 24, 2021 at 12:32:31PM +0100, Gerardo Ballabio wrote:
>Matthias Klumpp wrote:
>> Inclusivity and tolerance does not mean we have to accept every opinion as equally valid.
>
>Equally valid -- no.
>Legitimate to express -- yes.
>
>I am really worried about the increasing trend (not specific to
>Debian) towards demanding that people who hold "dissenting" opinions
>be removed from their positions, excluded from the public debate, and
>even fired from their jobs, which if universally applied would make
>them unable to earn a living. That is what dictatorial regimes do --
>often while maintaining a facade of freedom: "Nobody is being
>prevented from speaking, we're just making their life miserable
>because we don't like what they're saying". That's exactly what's
>happening with the current political correctness storm. Say one bad
>word and your life might be ruined.
Freedom of speech does *not* mean freedom from consequences.
If you say unpopular, controversial things then it's entirely
reasonable that people around you may evaluate you based on what
you've said. They may decide that they don't want to listen to you any
more. They may decide that they don't want to work with you any more,
or have you in a position of power in a project. Words have power.
Decrying this as a "political correctness storm" is a favourite
argument of the morally bankrupt who want the freedom to spout hate
without being called on it.
--
Steve McIntyre, Cambridge, UK. steve@einval.com
Who needs computer imagery when you've got Brian Blessed?
Reply to: