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At least part of the Alt-Right values free speech. I'm not so sure. The Alt Right's defence of free speech looks opportunistic and self-serving: they certainly support speech when it's theirs, but they aren't notably respectful of the right to free expression of others. Even here, it feels like they are playing a game. I don't get the impression that they want to be seen as defending anything as liberal as free speech - they just want to be able to outflank free-speech-loving liberals by pointing out their hypocrisy. It was difficult to escape the feeling that Milo was utterly delighted at being forced to cancel his Berkeley appearance, because he got to play his 'free speech martyr' card. He couldn't care less about the right to free speech of those who oppose him. Why should pedophiles embrace the authoritarian version of free speech favored by their opponents? That's a false dilemma. Paedophiles are not posed with the choice of supporting Milo Yiannopoulos or having to throw their weight behind those who would prefer to silence him. If moralism is fine coming from Dworkin, why hold Milo to a different standard? I think 'moralism' is fine from anyone. Being rather conservative, I still expect public figures to profess moral beliefs, even if they are dull and conformist ones. What bothers me is the pose of sly, winking nihilism from figures like Milo Yiannopoulos; the clownish, attention-seeking pretence that the only thing that matters is novelty and the power to shock. The amusing thing is that paedophilia would appear to be his Alt-Kryptonite: the issue on which the glib, fatuous facade falls away. And behind it is a man who - whether out of cowardice or conviction - is prepared to fall uncomplainingly in line with the dull, dominant values of middle-class America. |