It’s only recently that free speech could result in government-backed NGOs and government-cozy media collaborating to have a private citizen nationally tarred and feathered, fired from their job, and issued death threats within hours of what they thought was a semi-private conversation. This is absolutely a new state of affairs.
In the past, news would travel—but slowly—and minor news about local citizens was not normally considered newsworthy in non-local markets unless it was extremely unusual and entertaining.
Yes, exactly like that. Also random nobodies making crude jokes online, professors taking unpopular stances or refusing to adjust course materials for political reasons, individuals who argue with protesters, protesters who burn flags, Bibles, or Qurans, and citizens who simply express support for their preferred candidates.
You thought this was some kind of “gotcha” because you pegged me as a right winger opposing cancel culture. I support free speech, period.
In the past, news would travel—but slowly—and minor news about local citizens was not normally considered newsworthy in non-local markets unless it was extremely unusual and entertaining.