Your argument must not be very good if the only reason you have for arguing it is free speech. “It’s not illegal to say this” isn’t the mic drop you think it is.
On the Lovett or Leave It show the other day, there was a really interesting conversation with a progressive Rabbi where she laid bare the crux of what’s truly broken in the world. That it’s important to see your rhetorical opponent as a person, with their own wants, needs, and motivations, regardless of whether or not that person is diametrically opposed in every possible way from your mode of thinking and acting. You don’t have to respect them or their ideology, you don’t need to provide an opportunity for them to broadcast their shitty shit, or provide a platform. Just don’t dehumanize them.
Regardless of your stance on a topic, and irrespective of whether or not your opponent is using dehumanizing words and/or actions, it’s important to remember that your opposition avoids buying into the same dehumanization framing. Don’t let their narcissism and solipsism infect your thoughts, soul, and being.
You can fight, and win, without losing your own humanity. If you lose your humanity your opponent has already won.
trashcansforteeth 