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Comment by codegeek | Hacker News Reader

I am conflicted on this because I like to speak my mind. Having said that, I am a nobody so usually no one cares. My wife always tells me "It's not the what but the how you say it". Gary being such a popular figure probably should have worded it better. However, I do worry that there is too much criticism these days when someone speaks their mind.

EDIT: I see people making a fair point about "too much criticism" as it sort of contradicts what I said about "speak my mind". I guess my worry is not about free speech or other people just criticizing but more of the woke crowd that just wants to cancel you because they disagree. I should have clarified that in initial comment.

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> I am conflicted on this because I like to speak my mind.

> However, I do worry that there is too much criticism these days when someone speaks their mind.

You don’t need to feel conflicted. Just think of that “too much criticism” as people who disagree with the initial take as speaking their mind in response.

I was just thinking that.

How can you be in support of Freedom of Speech,

and at the same time be out here saying there is "too much criticism"?

It doesn't make any sense.

The first is about rights to do something, the second is opinion on what others should do.

e.g. "I support the right of people to eat what they want, but really wish they ate less junk food."

With respect to criticism, I tend to agree in general. I wish people spent less time giving importance or fixating on random dumb or offensive things people say.

You’re getting really close to understanding.

I think that misses the point that most people have on this topic.

You can support the right of people to express their opinions, but disagree and regret what those opinions are.

> I guess my worry is not about free speech or other people just criticizing but more of the woke crowd that just wants to cancel you because they disagree.

What's wrong with the "woke crowd?" Is that not merely a nebulous group of people who have political opinions with which you disagree? What's wrong with them wanting to "cancel" you? Is that not an exercise of free speech and free association? Freedom of speech has never meant freedom from consequences. "Cancellation" just a social consequence, is it not?

Behind each of these question marks is nuance: I like Ken White's treatment of the topic: https://popehat.substack.com/p/our-fundamental-right-to-sham...

His comment was beyond the pale and inexcusable. Not because of his political position, but because expressing the wish for a slow death of people because you disagree with them is never OK, regardless of what your politics are.

What does inexcusable mean?. It seems like nearly everything thinks it wasn't cool and dumb, so what next?

"Inexcusable" means that there is no valid excuse for it.

I guess what I meant to ask what the implications or consequences of it being inexcusable are. When someone says that, what do they want to happen?

Do they just want people to acknowledge it was bad, and then everyone goes on with their life? Do the police make them wear a scarlet letter or send them out into the wilderness. Does it mean they are no longer invited to dinner parties?

Getting drunk and posting death threats on a social media platform beloved by unhinged bigots isn’t “speaking your mind”, it’s incitement.

I like to speak my mind as well, but I haven’t ever listed a bunch of colleagues names and then wished death on them. Actually I’m not sure he could have worded it better: what’s the good way to deliver that message?

I don’t understand your premise. Criticism is other people speaking their mind. It sounds like you want to speak your mind and dislike when others do in response. What is your thought process exactly?

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