Freedom of Expression. All or Nothing!?

Would anyone dispute a serious decline in our ability to talk about important matters? At least in any sort of positive, constructive way? Particularly in the public arena?

^{If your answer is anything like all the time and it is all around me, I have a simple question. Where do you live? Maybe a number of us will consider moving there? Hahaha ...}

For example, when is the last time you heard this or anything similar?

"That is a good point!"

Especially in the public arena?

^{Source: Creator geralt on Pixabay}

With these questions asked, are we experiencing even the beginnings of a return to a happier, better time, when our freedom of expression was not even a concern?

Are we being released from whatever way one would describe the trend away from this in recent years. Are we being set free?

All or
Nothing?

In one way of referring to it, perhaps, we can ask the question in the title of this post. And ask it, in the context of the trend years in the making, where it seems we have been relentlessly sliding towards a zero-sum end point:

"I win! You
lose!
"

It is an all or nothing proposition, with no room for establishing common ground. No allowance is made for even a hint of a dissenting point of viewpoint.

^{Source: Creator Alexas_Fotos on Pixabay}

In the face of angry pronouncements, personal attacks, and similar what is going on? Certainly not anything related to good intentions and a meaningful exchange. It can be debated, perhaps, whether it is intentional or not, but what is the goal?

Intimidation? Shutting you up? Shutting you down?

^{Source: Creator Alexey_Hulsov on Pixabay}

For those of us who do not have any sort of positive or favorable view of this trend, do we have any chance of being set free from it?

________________________

Back to the question, my own thoughts on the beginnings of an answer are pretty straightforward. Whatever any of us might say in response, I would be very hard-pressed to think someone could successfully argue with this:

"Certainly, nothing
GOOD!
"

Here is the Welcome Mat rolled out to any who may wish to disagree.

^{Source: Creator Chia236 on tenor}

Just angry? Unhappy? Or something more
sinister?

In evaluating this trend, is it enough to just "write it off" as a result of anger? Of unhappiness? Of depression? Maybe some combination of all of these?

Or is something more devious afoot? Something more sinister?

^{Source: Creator MickeyLIT on Pixabay}

I would suggest that simply "writing off" the decline of our freedom of expression by attaching it to any of these emotions or similar doesn't fully account for what we have been experiencing.

For example, there is a growing body of evidence which supports the contention much of what we see and hear has been choreographed. It is scripted. If there is any truth or merit to this, wouldn't an obvious follow-up question be who is behind it? What is the objective?

Whatever the answer, I'll say it again:

"Certainly, nothing
GOOD!
"

Mutually
beneficial!

Closing on a positive note, I truly hope we are experiencing a revival of our freedom to express ourselves. As individuals, free to be ourselves. Without fear of threats or anything related to retribution.

No. Let's collectively say "No!" to that.

Rather how about a restoration of some semblance of civility and respect for others? Making a sincere effort to show some patience, extend some kindness? Focusing on what unites us, rather than on what divides us?

^{Can we truly say, even with the most difficult individuals, that we cannot possibly find at least SOMETHING with which we might agree with them? How about reflecting on, with the right mindset, believing all things are possible?}

^{Source: Creator Clker-Free-Vector-Images on Pixabay}

Not with some false expectation this will perfectly settle the endless numbers of issues with which we are wrestling. But at least having faith, with good intentions on both sides, that the gap will be closed. If only by a little bit, isn't that an improvement? As it is mutually beneficial and win-win?

________________________

There is little I value more than peace of mind. While we know nothing is ever perfect, are we experiencing a return to at least a little bit of freedom of expression in the public arena?

^{Source: Creator Alexas_Fotos on Pixabay}

For the sake of us all, especially for our younger people and their desires for a brighter future, I certainly hope so.

________________________

It used to be that older generations were valued for what they might have to say. Younger people knew they had been through a lot in life, from which they might learn something, if they listened.

What do members of the Silver Bloggers community have to say about the importance of freedom of expression? If there is another community on the Hive blockchain where this question might be better asked, where is it?

Best wishes, until we meet again,
QT