Analysis: Deplatforming Political Figures Has Strengthened Extremism Rather Than Eliminating It
By
sbuttgereit
5mo ago· 18 min readenInsight
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Summary
The article argues that deplatforming political figures like Donald Trump and Tucker Carlson has backfired, making extremism stronger rather than eliminating it. It critiques progressive efforts at censorship and suggests that suppressing controversial voices has only driven them to alternative platforms where they can operate without oversight, potentially making them more dangerous. The piece advocates for confronting political demons directly rather than trying to suppress them through deplatforming.
Key quotes
· 4 pulledWhen Donald Trump was kicked off social media in 2021, liberal pundit Matthew Yglesias tweeted, 'It's kinda weird that deplatforming Trump just like completely worked with no visible downside whatsoever.'
Two years later, Fox News fired Tucker Carlson, and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D–N.Y.) celebrated that 'deplatforming works,' though she worried about the long-term implications.
'I also kind of feel like I'm waiting for the cut scene at the end of a Marvel movie after all the credits have rolled, and then you like see the villain's hand reemerge,' said Ocasio-Cortez.
Progressive censors failed to suppress our political demons. It's finally time to confront them.
Progressive censors failed to suppress our political demons. It's finally time to confront them.
