In Vermont and across the United States, many people—especially those with conservative or libertarian views—feel they can no longer express their opinions publicly without fear of social or professional consequences. This phenomenon, often referred to as cancel culture, is creating a climate where dissenting voices are being suppressed in favor of an ideological consensus. This pattern of silencing is not new; throughout history, censorship has been used to stifle dissent and maintain control. What’s changed today is how intentional and coordinated this censorship has become.
But how do you know if you’re part of the censorship class? The answer is simple: If you’re actively working to silence opposing opinions and alternative views, you might be complicit in an alarming trend that is eroding the foundation of free speech. History teaches us that silencing voices has always been wrong and often backfires, leading to more problems rather than solving them.
Vermont’s Struggle with Free Speech
Vermont’s state motto, “Freedom and Unity,” encapsulates the balance between individual liberty and the common good. However, today, many in the state feel that freedom has been sacrificed in favor of conformity, where unity means adhering to the dominant political narrative.
Numerous business owners and community members in Vermont have expressed concerns about sharing their viewpoints, especially on controversial issues like climate change or economic policy. They fear that speaking out could lead to social ostracism, professional boycotts, or the destruction of their reputations. This type of silencing, which doesn’t come from formal laws but rather from social pressure, has led to widespread self-censorship. It’s not just in Vermont—this is a national trend that is damaging the essence of free speech and public discourse (The Atlantic).
How Censorship Has Evolved
In American history, censorship was often a reactive measure, driven by fear during times of political or social crisis. During the Red Scare of the 1950s, Senator Joseph McCarthy accused many Americans of being communists, leading to a widespread culture of fear, blacklisting, and silencing of dissent. These were direct, fear-based actions, but they weren’t coordinated as they are today (History.com).
Modern-day censorship is different. It’s more intentional and often driven by concentrated groups of media figures and political operatives working together to promote certain narratives. Borrowing from Robert Cialdini’s and others’ work on persuasion, the media and political groups use strategies like social proof (the idea that people follow others’ behavior) and authority (trusting influential figures) to reinforce particular narratives and silence dissent (Robert Cialdini). Repeated phrases like “disinformation,” “settled science,” or “social justice” are used to establish boundaries of acceptable thought, making it difficult for opposing viewpoints to be heard.
The Media’s Role in Shaping Cancel Culture
The media plays a key role in shaping and enforcing the uniformity of thought that drives modern cancel culture. By amplifying the voices of certain political groups and systematically promoting specific narratives, the media creates an illusion of overwhelming consensus. For example, across multiple outlets, the same phrases are used to define controversial topics, making it appear as though there’s no legitimate opposition to these views (The Coddling of the American Mind).
Historically, those in power have used similar tactics to keep dissenting voices quiet. During the abolitionist movement, anti-slavery activists like Frederick Douglass were often told by pro-slavery leaders to be quiet, or face violence. Despite the risks, they refused to stay silent, and their persistence led to the eventual passage of the 13th Amendment (History.com).
A similar pattern emerged during the women’s suffrage movement. Suffragettes were often told by political figures and the media to “stay in their place” and stop pushing for voting rights. But suffragists like Susan B. Anthony and Elizabeth Cady Stanton refused to back down, leading to the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920 (History.com).
How Do You Know If You’re Part of the Censorship Class?
So, how can you tell if you’re part of the censorship class? A clear sign is when you find yourself actively trying to silence opposing opinions, whether through public shaming, boycotts, or calling for the de-platforming of individuals who don’t conform to the dominant narrative. You may believe you’re acting out of concern for justice or protecting society, but you could be contributing to a pattern of suppression that has deep historical roots.
Those who encourage the silencing of dissenting voices are often trying to protect the status quo. Just as segregationists in the 1960s told civil rights leaders to be quiet, and as McCarthy silenced those who disagreed with his anti-communist crusade, today’s cancel culture operates under the same principle: quiet those who challenge the narrative.
If you find yourself in a position where you’re shutting down debate, discouraging discussion, or marginalizing opposing viewpoints, you might be part of the modern censorship class.
What Can Be Done?
As much as it would be ideal for those engaging in cancel culture to recognize their role in censorship, history shows us that change rarely comes from those doing the silencing. Instead, change comes from those willing to stand up, even at personal risk, to demand that their voices be heard.
If you feel silenced, here are a few ways to stand up:
- Organize and Build Communities: Much like the abolitionist and civil rights movements, those who feel silenced can find strength in community. Organize with like-minded individuals who are willing to speak out against the dominant narrative, providing mutual support and amplifying each other’s voices.
- Use and Support Alternative Platforms: It’s not enough to just use alternative platforms—they need active support to survive. Independent platforms often lack corporate backing, so subscribing, donating, or sharing content helps keep spaces for diverse viewpoints alive. Without support, these platforms may disappear, leaving fewer outlets for meaningful debate.
- Promote Civil Dialogue: Encourage and engage in civil discourse with those who hold opposing views. A true marketplace of ideas should include respectful debate, not suppression.
- Stay Courageous: History shows that those who are willing to stand up in the face of repression often pave the way for future change. Whether it was civil rights activists, women suffragists, or those speaking out against McCarthyism, real progress comes from the courage to speak out, even when it’s difficult.
Conclusion: The Danger of Silence
When one group in society is silenced, we all lose. History has shown time and time again that silencing dissent leads to more division, not unity. Vermont’s motto, “Freedom and Unity,” can only be realized when all voices are welcomed in public discourse—especially those that challenge the status quo. If you find yourself contributing to the silencing of others, ask yourself: Am I part of the censorship class? Standing up for the right to free speech is a responsibility that falls on all of us, and it is the only way to maintain a society that values both freedom and unity.
Dave Soulia | FYIVT
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