Dave Rubin on Free Speech

Dave Rubin observes that internet culture, characterized by trolling, outrage, and hate, is consuming itself. He notes that the recent election amplified this negativity, with people constantly attacking others online in ways they wouldn't in real life. While he supports free speech, Rubin expresses concern about the endless cycle of anger, turning social media feeds into cascades of rants, fights, and virtue signaling, rather than sources of joy or enlightenment. He suggests this behavior is now impacting the real world.

Rubin asserts that the constant online bickering is leading to real-world consequences, with people facing job losses and losing friends over their online posts. He argues that this pervasive outrage creates a chilling effect, leading people to actively silence themselves out of fear of retribution, rather than being silenced by the government. He draws parallels to political events where violent protests against conservatives are escalating, warning that this trend will eventually affect liberals too, and leading to a reluctance for individuals to share original thoughts.

Rubin criticizes the mainstream media and 'Twitter brigade' for overreacting to every action by figures like Donald Trump, which he likens to the 'boy who cried wolf' fable. This constant outrage makes it difficult for people to discern genuine issues requiring attention. He questions whether society is becoming more politically correct, leading individuals to self-censor more than in previous years. He suggests that without proactively fighting this trend, it will continue to stifle speech.

Rubin ponders if classic shows like 'All in the Family' or 'Seinfeld,' known for their provocative humor and diverse characters, could exist on network television today without facing severe backlash. He fears that future generations of 'social justice warriors' will censor such content. He also highlights a 'nefarious layer' where people exploit outrage for clicks and financial gain, citing the example of PewDiePie's contract termination after a controversial joke, amplified by those seeking to profit from the controversy.

Rubin stresses the importance of carefully choosing when to be outraged, arguing that constant outrage renders all outrage meaningless. He advises against actively seeking out enemies online, suggesting that focused intellectual engagement is valuable, but should not be driven by the pursuit of retweets or likes. He encourages individuals who want positive change to elevate their own online behavior.

Rubin shares his experience appearing on Alex Jones's show, explaining that despite initial reservations and anticipated backlash, he chose to participate to avoid being held hostage by the same silencing forces he criticizes. He believes it's important to engage with diverse audiences, even those of controversial figures, to disseminate ideas. He notes that while he received hate for the appearance, he also reached a new audience. He clarifies his disagreement with Jones's more outlandish theories, such as those about 'lizard people' or 'shadow governments'.