Power doesn’t extend free speech to marginalized groups. I have a friend who’s facing multiple forms of academic punishment including a year of delay in their studies for standing up to transphobia. Why? Because apparently vocal self-advocacy is “disrespectful.”

Those using slurs and spreading discriminatory views are constantly defended as merely exercising their free speech, but when marginalized people complain about their oppression, merely raising one’s voice becomes disrespectful, unprofessional aggression that warrants a sanction.

Power has structured freedom of expression around tone, ensuring that those who harm can get off scot-free so long as they dehumanize with a smile. But if you are rightfully angry towards those who harass, discriminate, and harm? That falls outside the purview of free speech.

That’s why I’m so cynical, skeptical, and distrustful about freedom of expression. Because even if marginalized groups intensely need it, its everyday deployment in society damn nearly only benefits power.

If you’re wondering what prompted my post, it’s this: https://twitter.com/butnotthecity/status/1387892566612488195