Hush (I Can't Say What I Want To)

... Even if I'm not serious. Tool fans will recognize the lyric, but I fear it has never been more profound or more important. Let me explain.

I own a small media production company and I work out of my home studio. It isn't Hollywood, but I used to work there, so let's just say that the studio space is professional and attractive. As an Anarchist Discordian, the only two labels I am proud to wear, I wanted to create a news show that broke the rules. No terms of service (sorry, ATS) that prevented people from speaking their actual minds. No agenda except the absolute chaos of freedom of expression. Left. Right. People who understand that the paradigm is a joke. People who do not. Real names. Real opinions. Real America. The Discordian Times.

I have the talented, intelligent, attractive people to do this thing. I have every capability, every necessary technical skill, every "I" dotted and "T" crossed.

But nobody is willing to do it. Their real opinions are too controversial. In the conversation I had with the managers of my company last night, I was given a choice: I could move forward with the plan, but they would both quit because they would not be associated with the company. The reason?

They were not willing to go on the record with their real opinions or be associated with the real opinions of others. They cited fear of reprisal from friends, family members, coworkers, bosses for anybody that participated in such discussions. They cited the likely protests that would occur outside my home, or even theirs, if this show went forward. My wife was seriously concerned for my safety. This was the response across the board, blue blood to red, no matter who I talked to. Everybody wanted this done but nobody would join me, and nobody was willing to support me if I did it alone.

America is lying to itself. People are so afraid of their own opinions that they will not go on record with them. I thought my alt-conservatives would not be afraid to speak up. But they are. Surly, I thought, my feminist liberal friends will go on the record. Nope. People want their anonymity, and in order to maintain that they are willing to sacrifice the debate. And I can't give you examples because T&C says "no".

THIS IS THE REASON THERE IS NO REAL DEBATE IN THIS NATION. YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO HAVE IT.

One wonders who the responsible parties are. Many here have offered various explanations. And yet...

Are you willing to say what is really on your mind? Even though ATS is not the forum for doing so, I respect their position on this, so... this is a theoretical question. But I really wonder how many people are willing to speak their beliefs publicly, using their real names. Actually, I don't, since the percentage seems to be slim-to-none.

How did we get to this point? This is not in the mud pit because I want debate, not slings and arrows of persecution. This is a real issue. People all across this nation and this world are afraid to speak their minds, especially when given an uncensored platform. That is the opposite of the way things should be. I offer an open mic, and both the left and the right are afraid to say what they really think.

Can we fix this without violence? I sure hope so. Because everybody is so pissed or frightened that they won't even talk to one another anymore. And we do need to talk to one another. And we do need to be insulted from time to time. And we do need freedom. The real stuff, not the slogan. So if you can, hug somebody who loves you or hates you. Because they sure as hell are not telling you how they really feel, what they really think, or what they really believe about anything. It's in the T&Cs of society, and until those rules are broken there will be no freedom or truth.

But there is one question I may ask: how many members here have been in a situation where they have not spoken their mind(s) because they were afraid of the consequences? This goes into game theory, which will probably be my next thread, but until then,

Hail Eris!

--McK177

a reply to: MisterMcKill

You hiring?

Even if I'm not serious

a reply to: MisterMcKill

It is a sad state when we feel the need to self censor.

I started a youtube channel.

At first I was afraid of using my real name, because as someone who was applying to be a professor at universities, I feel many of my conservative or libertarian opinions would hurt me in those circles.

But I said screw it, and now give me real thoughts under my real name.

I may not get those jobs, and no one may care what I have to say, but I still feel great doing it.

originally posted by: Grambler
a reply to: MisterMcKill

It is a sad state when we feel the need to self censor.

I started a youtube channel.

At first I was afraid of using my real name, because as someone who was applying to be a professor at universities, I feel many of my conservative or libertarian opinions would hurt me in those circles.

But I said screw it, and now give me real thoughts under my real name.

I may not get those jobs, and no one may care what I have to say, but I still feel great doing it.

I applaud you, good Grambler, and know that of which you speak (I also work in education). I am guessing we would agree on how the nation came to become a bunch of self-censoring "free" women and men. But how do we fix the problem of self-censorship if we censor ourselves? We need rational solutions.

originally posted by: IgnoranceIsntBlisss
a reply to: MisterMcKill

You hiring?

Maybe. Get your post removed by a mod and we can talk. J/K

originally posted by: MisterMcKill

originally posted by: Grambler
a reply to: MisterMcKill

It is a sad state when we feel the need to self censor.

I started a youtube channel.

At first I was afraid of using my real name, because as someone who was applying to be a professor at universities, I feel many of my conservative or libertarian opinions would hurt me in those circles.

But I said screw it, and now give me real thoughts under my real name.

I may not get those jobs, and no one may care what I have to say, but I still feel great doing it.

I applaud you, good Grambler, and know that of which you speak (I also work in education). I am guessing we would agree on how the nation came to become a bunch of self-censoring "free" women and men. But how do we fix the problem of self-censorship if we censor ourselves? We need rational solutions.

It starts with ourselves.

Stop fearing the mob. Who cares of social media thinks what you say isnt politically correct.

Defend other publicly that these mobs come from.

originally posted by: MisterMcKill

originally posted by: Grambler
a reply to: MisterMcKill

It is a sad state when we feel the need to self censor.

I started a youtube channel.

At first I was afraid of using my real name, because as someone who was applying to be a professor at universities, I feel many of my conservative or libertarian opinions would hurt me in those circles.

But I said screw it, and now give me real thoughts under my real name.

I may not get those jobs, and no one may care what I have to say, but I still feel great doing it.

I applaud you, good Grambler, and know that of which you speak (I also work in education). I am guessing we would agree on how the nation came to become a bunch of self-censoring "free" women and men. But how do we fix the problem of self-censorship if we censor ourselves? We need rational solutions.

You lead by example.

No doubt as people wanting to follow other people is at the heart of how we got here.

a reply to: MisterMcKill

The court of public opinion finally managed to get Americans in the one place they simply can't ignore: their earning ability. Once we entered the social media era, the moment it became obvious that people can and will put pressure on employers to "correct" employees who may hold or express non-SJW compliant positions, it changed the game. Simply put, if you can find me a place that promises me a steady paycheck comparable to what I am currently making, in exchange for me speaking my mind and with guarantees of no ramifications (obviously assuming I am not directly violating any standing Constitutional laws), I'd grab the job in a heartbeat, sing like a canary, and (I arrogantly believe) provide one of the most listened to programs out there. There used to be a market for that, it was called the "shock jock" and the golden age of shock jocks was glorious with Opie & Anthony, Howard Stern, Ron & Fez, Hal Turner, and the Greaseman... it was utterly beautiful. Sadly, the asshole fascists got to their networks and most of them were either fired or their shows were nuetered to the point of boredom.

originally posted by: Grambler

originally posted by: MisterMcKill

originally posted by: Grambler
a reply to: MisterMcKill

It is a sad state when we feel the need to self censor.

I started a youtube channel.

At first I was afraid of using my real name, because as someone who was applying to be a professor at universities, I feel many of my conservative or libertarian opinions would hurt me in those circles.

But I said screw it, and now give me real thoughts under my real name.

I may not get those jobs, and no one may care what I have to say, but I still feel great doing it.

I applaud you, good Grambler, and know that of which you speak (I also work in education). I am guessing we would agree on how the nation came to become a bunch of self-censoring "free" women and men. But how do we fix the problem of self-censorship if we censor ourselves? We need rational solutions.

It starts with ourselves.

Stop fearing the mob. Who cares of social media thinks what you say isnt politically correct.

Defend other publicly that these mobs come from.

It's not the mobs of people that are the issue, it's the corporations, the corps have the power to destroy your life and by extension your families and friends should they feel the need to get really dirty.

originally posted by: hopenotfeariswhatweneed

originally posted by: Grambler

originally posted by: MisterMcKill

originally posted by: Grambler
a reply to: MisterMcKill

It is a sad state when we feel the need to self censor.

I started a youtube channel.

At first I was afraid of using my real name, because as someone who was applying to be a professor at universities, I feel many of my conservative or libertarian opinions would hurt me in those circles.

But I said screw it, and now give me real thoughts under my real name.

I may not get those jobs, and no one may care what I have to say, but I still feel great doing it.

I applaud you, good Grambler, and know that of which you speak (I also work in education). I am guessing we would agree on how the nation came to become a bunch of self-censoring "free" women and men. But how do we fix the problem of self-censorship if we censor ourselves? We need rational solutions.

It starts with ourselves.

Stop fearing the mob. Who cares of social media thinks what you say isnt politically correct.

Defend other publicly that these mobs come from.

It's not the mobs of people that are the issue, it's the corporations, the corps have the power to destroy your life and by extension your families and friends should they feel the need to get really dirty.

True, but of late the corps have done this at the demand of the mobs.

originally posted by: IgnoranceIsntBlisss

originally posted by: MisterMcKill

originally posted by: Grambler
a reply to: MisterMcKill

It is a sad state when we feel the need to self censor.

I started a youtube channel.

At first I was afraid of using my real name, because as someone who was applying to be a professor at universities, I feel many of my conservative or libertarian opinions would hurt me in those circles.

But I said screw it, and now give me real thoughts under my real name.

I may not get those jobs, and no one may care what I have to say, but I still feel great doing it.

I applaud you, good Grambler, and know that of which you speak (I also work in education). I am guessing we would agree on how the nation came to become a bunch of self-censoring "free" women and men. But how do we fix the problem of self-censorship if we censor ourselves? We need rational solutions.

You lead by example.

No doubt as people wanting to follow other people is at the heart of how we got here.

And that is the problem. Many of those who wish to lead by example are too afraid to do so. MLK and JFK come to mind when I want to stand up. The modern version of character assassination is digital. They don't have to shoot you anymore. They can just dox you.

originally posted by: burdman30ott6
a reply to: MisterMcKill

The court of public opinion finally managed to get Americans in the one place they simply can't ignore: their earning ability. Once we entered the social media era, the moment it became obvious that people can and will put pressure on employers to "correct" employees who may hold or express non-SJW compliant positions, it changed the game. Simply put, if you can find me a place that promises me a steady paycheck comparable to what I am currently making, in exchange for me speaking my mind and with guarantees of no ramifications (obviously assuming I am not directly violating any standing Constitutional laws), I'd grab the job in a heartbeat, sing like a canary, and (I arrogantly believe) provide one of the most listened to programs out there. There used to be a market for that, it was called the "shock jock" and the golden age of shock jocks was glorious with Opie & Anthony, Howard Stern, Ron & Fez, Hal Turner, and the Greaseman... it was utterly beautiful. Sadly, the asshole fascists got to their networks and most of them were either fired or their shows were nuetered to the point of boredom.

Brother, I stayed up long past my bedtime as a boy listening to the Greaseman. I got in trouble, but it was worth every second. Somebody has to keep that alive but getting people to join me in doing it is proving to be impossible.

originally posted by: Grambler

originally posted by: MisterMcKill

originally posted by: Grambler
a reply to: MisterMcKill

Stop fearing the mob. Who cares of social media thinks what you say isnt politically correct.

I don't fear the mob. Everybody else does. That is the problem. I need others that do not fear the mob to talk to.

edit on 25-1-2019 by MisterMcKill because: (no reason given)

As a parent with a child, what should I do?

Even if I could, what I said would flow back on him and my husband. That's the problem. It's not just about politely disagreeing now. It's about destroying you so you dare not speak.

In addition to that, I am a couple of cardinal sins in the bargain: white and Christian. Even if my opinions might no always bring censure, those two factors brought in would guarantee that they are doubly dangerous after what happened to the Covington kids.

originally posted by: ketsuko
As a parent with a child, what should I do?

Even if I could, what I said would flow back on him and my husband. That's the problem. It's not just about politely disagreeing now. It's about destroying you so you dare not speak.

In addition to that, I am a couple of cardinal sins in the bargain: white and Christian. Even if my opinions might no always bring censure, those two factors brought in would guarantee that they are doubly dangerous after what happened to the Covington kids.

That was part of the fear that silenced me. I have a wife and three children. And one of the main personalities on the show was going to be hard left. Is everybody so fascist that they now censor themselves? Yes, it seems. And I guess I will be silenced too. But us Discordians are a subversive lot. I will find a way to get the message through. Still, I shouldn't have to. Nor should anybody else. We should all speak freely, no matter what. Perhaps if we stopped lying to one another we might learn to understand one another.

As for those Covington kids, that is a perfect example of what I am talking about. I was being warned that I might get death threats for even publishing peoples' opinions on that. It isn't worth it. How do we tolerate this state of affairs?

a reply to: MisterMcKill

We tolerate it because we need to live and until enough people decide it's bad enough that they're willing to really swing the pendulum back to true liberality, we can't move forward very easily.

a reply to: MisterMcKill

If youre not ruffling feathers then you're not getting anything done, meaning it just comes with the territory. Even apolitical celebrity types get death threats and stalkers.

a reply to: MisterMcKill

I have a friend whom is a natripath , he was writing a thesis on people that didn't vaccinate their kids, we live in a hippy area and quite a few parents don't vaccinate here.

He had to he really careful how he worded it and couldn't say anything negative about vaccines as the pharmaceutical companies would have ruined him, so even with that truth was sacrificed. We let unfettered capitalism seeds this mess, corporations now wield so much power they can literally steer " the truth".

originally posted by: Grambler
a reply to: MisterMcKill

It is a sad state when we feel the need to self censor.

I started a youtube channel.

At first I was afraid of using my real name, because as someone who was applying to be a professor at universities, I feel many of my conservative or libertarian opinions would hurt me in those circles.

But I said screw it, and now give me real thoughts under my real name.

I may not get those jobs, and no one may care what I have to say, but I still feel great doing it.

And I for one applaud you for putting yourself out there (regardless of whether I agree). I wouldn't have the courage to do it (mostly for self loathing reasons), but likely for every door you close by putting your opinions out there others (like off the top of my head Liberty University) likely open, so odds are by being true to yourself you'll likely end up in a place you're much happier at.