How to fight censorship, one Disney+ cancellation at a time
In an age where information flows freely yet is simultaneously under threat, the concept of censorship can feel like an overwhelming force. It’s easy to feel powerless when powerful entities, whether governmental or corporate, attempt to control narratives or suppress speech. But what if the fight against such overreach isn't just for politicians or activists? What if it starts with you, and your streaming subscription?
The Cost of Capitulation
History, and current events, repeatedly show us a crucial lesson: "Thuggish government behavior is not stopped by capitulation." When institutions or individuals give in to pressure to censor, they don't de-escalate the situation; they often embolden the very forces seeking to suppress. This creates a dangerous precedent, normalizing the idea that fundamental freedoms can be eroded simply by applying enough pressure.
We've seen various incidents, like the recent "Kimmel censorship fiasco" highlighted by Ars Technica, demonstrating how attempts to silence voices can backfire, but also how crucial it is to stand firm. The danger is that if we don't push back, these "fiascos" become standard operating procedure, slowly chipping away at our ability to speak and think freely.
Your Remote Control, Your Protest
This is where your individual action, however small it may seem, becomes a powerful tool. In the digital age, a subscription is more than just access to content; it’s a vote of confidence, a financial endorsement. When a platform like Disney+ (or any other media company) is perceived to be complicit in censorship, or to be bending to undue pressure, cancelling your subscription sends a clear, undeniable message.
Every cancellation, every voiced complaint to customer service, every social media post outlining your reasons – these actions accumulate. Corporations are ultimately accountable to their bottom line and their customers. If they face a collective financial consequence for their actions (or inactions) regarding censorship, it creates a powerful incentive for them to reconsider their stance and defend free expression more vigorously.
Making Your Voice Count
The core message is simple: protests still matter, and they can still work. While large-scale demonstrations grab headlines, the cumulative effect of individual consumer choices is often equally, if not more, impactful on corporate behavior. By strategically withdrawing your financial support from entities that fail to uphold principles of free speech, you are participating in a modern form of protest, making your voice heard not with a shout, but with a click.
So, the next time you feel frustrated by attempts to censor or control information, remember you have a powerful tool at your fingertips. Evaluate where your money goes, and ensure it aligns with your values. Sometimes, fighting censorship means simply deciding which shows you're willing to pay for.
Curated from RSS source.
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