This essay is far too intelligent and carefully thought out to be widely pushed by the Medium algorithm and editorial team - which is a real shame as it does need to be read by a great many people on this platform.

The right to freedom of speech comes with understanding the consequeneces of doing so. This can be argued by both sides of the left. Cancel culture is arguably the consequence of 'psychological market forces' acting on words spoken. If people don't like what's being said they have to right to avoid reading or listening.

However, social media and the echo chamberrs and algorithms that underpin it, simply mean that whatever your original opinion was is simply presented back to you by people who already support it. Throw in a system that monetises demagoguery (such as Medium) and you have a real problem, where freedom of speech is allowed but only at the cost of not bothering to explore the problem.

People don't object to JK Rowling's position on Trans rights because they are making an informed decision on what she's saying. They object to her, beause someone has made that decision for them and written about it - and they've done the minimum amount of reading required. Ignorance is repackaged and re-presented in a stunning own goal.

The important discusisons needs to be held between intelligent people. They need to be done in articles like yours, where the various positions presented can be dismantled and debated. Nothing about the current climate allows that to happen... and social media outlets such as this one are playing their part in undermining actual societal progress. They do so whilst loudly proclaiming the world is rapidly becoming a better place from their echo chambers.