Thorn
pfm Member
There's a world of difference between expressing a view about something and hate speech. Unfortunately, all too often when a view is expressed, rather than arguing against that view, those on the other side respond with a stream of hatred. JKR has given her views on many things. Frequently the right wing attacks her for those views. On this occasion, a section of the left is attacking her. I would rather they sought to change her mind rather than demonising her.Again that’s a bit of a right-wing trope. The reality is we live in a marketplace and as an example I have the absolute right to refuse to drink in a Wetherspoons, complain to advertisers who advertise in bigoted hate publications such as the Daily Mail etc. We have as much right to call out and boycott as others do to speak. As a platform owner/publisher I also have a right to define the parameters of what I am prepared to host, e.g. any racists and other bigots are out the door here pretty fast. I support ‘no-platforming’ racists, fascists etc. If I’m not prepared to do it here why should I expect a student union, public venue or wherever to?
PS I’m deliberately staying at a safe distance from JK Rowling’s postings as I’m obviously not in any credible position to mansplain her position and views as a woman/feminist, especially her perspective as a survivor of abuse. I will just walk quietly backwards Homer Simpson-style into the hedge whilst trying my best to upset neither the radical feminists or the trans community, both of whom I would happily defend and welcome here. I genuinely support both, but they really need to sort this one out between them IMHO.
Similarly with so many things that crop up in these pages. Let's discuss our differences, not attack the other side.