[XorNot]

I like that "antifa" just gets sliced in there, ignoring that the phrase and meaning is explicitly "anti-fascist", and it's only gained renewed visibility because there are actual fascists openly demonstrating and threatening people in the US.

You've always had a right to free speech, you sure as hell have never had a right not to be criticized for what you say.

[uxp100]

I don't think someone is ignoring the meaning of antifa when pointing out they beat people up. Or by calling them little-stalinists, given that some of them are stalinists, and some even offer "critical support" to Bashar al-Assad or Kim Jong Un.

But it's pretty misplaced. Social media companies and the state have more power than ever to control the spread of ideas, and antifa has a street fight now and then.

[mmt]

> you sure as hell have never had a right not to be criticized for what you say.

I think that this is insufficiently emphasized.

Personally, I think what's even more importantly forgotten and has led to the rather ridiculous situation on college campuses[1] is that there is no right not to be offended. I would even go so far as to say that such a right would be the opposite of freedom of speech.

[1] e.g. trigger warnings

[XorNot]

Trigger warnings are about not acting like a jackass to people. And the angry response to those who cavaliery show a disregard for the feelings of others are just as valid if you want to go down that path.

[mmt]

If I understand correctly, you're supporting my point.

Free speech is very much about allowing someone to act like a jackass (or worse!) to people with words and ideas.

It doesn't protect those speakers from the repercussions.

Trigger warnings aren't repercussions, however. They're prior restraint, and that's a no-no.

[ardit33]

The irony of it all, that the Antifa is acting exactly like a fascist organization.

I am from Europe, and born/lived under communism, poor as hell, with food rations and all, people going to jail, etc and yes,

these dipshits (the Antifa) are nothing but a "my way of the highway" totalitarian movement, which resembles more to a loosely organized fascist gang, than anything else. Silencing and beating up opponents was a favorite tool of both fascists and nazis.