Cultural Libertarianism

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chriss_m
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Cultural Libertarianism

#1

Post by chriss_m »

I don't know if this is the right place to post this, but I was curious what the opinions of this community are of cultural libertarianism, as a sort of broad umbrella under which to generally set out values worth protecting in the face of an endless Social Justice onslaught?

The article is really long, more like a manifesto almost, and really needs to be read in its entirety. But here's a relevant extract:
WHAT CULTURAL LIBERTARIANS BELIEVE

Free expression. No idea is too dangerous for cultural libertarians, who want total artistic and intellectual freedom. They often indulge in deliberately outrageous jokes and wacky opinions to test the boundaries of acceptability. Little wonder that the movement’s leaders often attract large followings from the the chaotic, politically incorrect world of anonymous imageboards like 4chan.

Resisting identity politics and public shaming. The movement can also be seen criticising modern methods of cultural control and the neo-puritanism they say has infected modern cultural criticism. The newest of these is a rash of social justice-inspired online vigilantism where professional offence-takers use the power of social media to destroy the reputations and careers of their targets. Justine Sacco, who faced global outrage and the loss of her job over a single politically-incorrect joke, is one well-known victim. Astrophysicist Dr. Matt Taylor and biochemist Sir Tim Hunt were also victims of this modern form of thuggery.

A sense of humour. Cultural libertarians combat anger with ridicule. There is a certain preposterousness to bloggers and social media addicts setting themselves up as a new priesthood, which makes them easy targets for comedy. As MIT Technology Review editor Jason Pontin puts it: “Tyrants, authoritarians and activists all hate the sound of laughter.” Cultural libertarians understand this instinctively.

An end to nannying and “safe space” culture. Arrayed against the cultural libertarians is the control freakery of the establishment, left and right, and the second coming of political correctness as embodied in campus safe space movements. This latter movement claims that students are too fragile to be exposed to dangerous ideas, and that even mildly offensive speech can cause permanent emotional damage. On the internet, these activists enjoy the support of outlets like Vox and Buzzfeed.

Defending personal freedom. Cultural libertarians may have their own opinions about how people should live their lives, or have low tolerance for offensive speech. But what distinguishes them from their opponents is their rejection of attempts to impose personal standards on others.

Defending spaces for uncomfortable opinions. Reason columnist Cathy Young is a critic of the “misogynistic rhetoric” of masculinist bloggers like Daryush Valizadeh, but nonetheless defended Valizadeh’s right to speak after activists launched a campaign to ban him from Canada. Cultural libertarians are serious about protecting the the freedoms of people they despise.

Fact over feelings. Hand in hand with their commitment to free speech goes a loathing for narrative-led journalism. Cultural libertarians are highly critical of “feelings over facts” in general, but particularly where it gives rise to failures in reporting such as the Duke Lacrosse case, the Rolling Stone debacle, “Mattress Girl” Emma Sulkowicz and GamerGate.

Standing up for consumers and producers over hand-wringing middle-class panic merchants. Cultural libertarians are the natural allies of consumers and want fandoms to have access to a wide variety of culture and ideas. They also stand up for the right of publishers and content creators to experiment wildly with art and believe that nothing should be “off-limits” however uncomfortable it may make some people.

Celebrating culture in all its forms. Cultural libertarians can be divided into three broad categories: vanguard hell-raisers who generate headlines by provoking social justice warriors, followed by a loose coalition of academics, journalists and social commentators who provide intellectual substance to the movement.

Finally, comedians, directors and movie stars who recognise the threat to creative freedom posed by cultural scolds bring up the rear, cautiously interjecting when authoritarian critiques overreach.
breitbart/big-government/2015/08/24/rise-of-the-cultural-libertarians/

Skep tickle
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Re: Cultural Libertarianism

#2

Post by Skep tickle »

Hi chriss_m - Here are search results for "cultural libertarian*" at the 'Pit ;)

Most of the action here is in the undead thread, latest chapter titled "Happy 3rd Pit Birthday" (7/2015 to current date).

Start wherever you want, jump in whenever you want, there's no particular topic though the general theme (since it's basically the one common interest) is "recognis[ing] the threat...posed by cultural scolds" esp in atheism/skepticism.

Over in the undead thread I'm sure some folks will give you the traditional welcome :)

Skep tickle
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Re: Cultural Libertarianism

#3

Post by Skep tickle »

Soon after Bokhari's post on cultural libertarianism at Brietbart, rayshul posted a link here:
viewtopic.php?f=31&t=444&p=301436#p301436

You could start there, read over the subsequent couple of pages to see some of the responses here (mixed in with other posts).

I thought this one captured it pretty well:
Karmakin wrote:
Yeah, that was the most hilarious thing reading that article is that it really describes the 'Pit to a T. Right on the head of the nail.

chriss_m
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Joined: Thu Jan 28, 2016 2:14 pm

Re: Cultural Libertarianism

#4

Post by chriss_m »

Apologies for missing that. Thanks, guys.

chriss_m
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Joined: Thu Jan 28, 2016 2:14 pm

Re: Cultural Libertarianism

#5

Post by chriss_m »

One guy*.

I'll get better at this. I promise.

Skep tickle
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Joined: Fri Oct 05, 2012 12:04 am

Re: Cultural Libertarianism

#6

Post by Skep tickle »

As it turns out, one gal*. But the generic term guy/guys is fine. :)

John Greg
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Re: Cultural Libertarianism

#7

Post by John Greg »

Gender culture traitor!

ffs
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Re: Cultural Libertarianism

#8

Post by ffs »

Skep tickle wrote:As it turns out, one gal*. But the generic term guy/guys is fine. :)
More proof of chill girl patriarchy-supporterdom

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