I think you are very much on the money in pointing out these sorts of commentators thrive on controversy and canceling them is exactly what they are after. And doing so has broader implications for open liberal democracies like NZ. I guess the real test of free speech is putting up with people who like to stir the pot and are seriously annoying.
I won't be turning up to listen to her. She has a lot of wacky opinions and also some deeply conservative ones - as do plenty of people living here in NZ. I don't think we should bar people from entering NZ because we don't like their opinions.
I gather that tickets start at $95 each, Brenda. I wouldn't waste my money on her – nor would I waste my time protesting against her. Thanks for commenting!
"Another controversial speaker wants to upset Kiwi's", is a strange way to describe Candice Owen's planned visit to NZ Grant. A More accurate description would be to say that a controversial speaker has been invited to speak in NZ, and a small highly vocal minority are upset because they oppose the Public discussion of a range of issues, and the expression of ideas and opinions that they disagree with. So rather than honoring our cultural tradition of free speech and open debate, we now have groups wishing to impose a uniformity of thought into public discourse, and canceling people is one way to do it. We don't even have to agree with everything Candace Owen says, and some of it may be pretty wacky. But an important principle is at stake, and we must preserve the right of even people whose ideas we disagree with to be able to express their opinion. If we lose that then tyranny will soon follow.
I agree with the principle of free speech, Sean. These online polemicists make a business out of stirring things up, though. Upsetting lefties helps them build their audience. This is quite a familiar strategy.
She should be allowed into NZ of course but I won’t be wasting my time listening to her. But those who want to should be allowed to do so in peace.
I think you are very much on the money in pointing out these sorts of commentators thrive on controversy and canceling them is exactly what they are after. And doing so has broader implications for open liberal democracies like NZ. I guess the real test of free speech is putting up with people who like to stir the pot and are seriously annoying.
I won't be turning up to listen to her. She has a lot of wacky opinions and also some deeply conservative ones - as do plenty of people living here in NZ. I don't think we should bar people from entering NZ because we don't like their opinions.
I gather that tickets start at $95 each, Brenda. I wouldn't waste my money on her – nor would I waste my time protesting against her. Thanks for commenting!
I’m pleased that your readership is tolerant and overwhelmingly supports allowing her to speak!
I guess the intolerant ones have already cancelled me, Malcolm!
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/political/532271/government-urged-to-deny-controversial-us-commentator-candace-owens-entry-into-nz
"Another controversial speaker wants to upset Kiwi's", is a strange way to describe Candice Owen's planned visit to NZ Grant. A More accurate description would be to say that a controversial speaker has been invited to speak in NZ, and a small highly vocal minority are upset because they oppose the Public discussion of a range of issues, and the expression of ideas and opinions that they disagree with. So rather than honoring our cultural tradition of free speech and open debate, we now have groups wishing to impose a uniformity of thought into public discourse, and canceling people is one way to do it. We don't even have to agree with everything Candace Owen says, and some of it may be pretty wacky. But an important principle is at stake, and we must preserve the right of even people whose ideas we disagree with to be able to express their opinion. If we lose that then tyranny will soon follow.
I agree with the principle of free speech, Sean. These online polemicists make a business out of stirring things up, though. Upsetting lefties helps them build their audience. This is quite a familiar strategy.
She's not exactly high up the alt-Right food chain, so on balance it's probably best if she delivers her talk in NZ to an empty or near-empty room.
That would be a good outcome. Or perhaps she cancels the trip for lack of bookings. Why on earth pay $95?