Recently I went out on the town for my mom’s birthday that doubled as St. Pattys Day. And if you know anything about Chicago, you know that means it was hella obnoxious. However, I got to meet many of her coworkers, which was insightful. “Your parents tell me you’re an activist… I appreciate you, I support you. People like me are scared.” said my mom’s coworker, adding that many people in his field and age group are hiding behind their degrees and holding onto stability as the world blows up.
It was a well intentioned sentiment and based on other parts of our conversation, I know he truly meant it and that he does “support” progressive, and even potentially decolonial movements, even if that just means in his head. But it was also a very dark conversation to experience. In America, If you want a job, you better be void of opinions, critical thinking, passion, and be willing to never go against the grain. Or else.
In the big 2026 we have somehow arrived at a place where to think is to become abrasive. I’m no free speech absolutist, but I do find it to be ridiculous how often people are denied opportunity based on what they have said or liked on social media.
At this point, I’m sure we’ve all heard of a case where somebody has been reprimanded or fired for their behavior online. Sometimes people do exhibit abhorrent behavior in online spaces, but more often than not it’s just not that deep. And we’re now at a point where people are chilled in their speech and okay with essentially not being able to express themselves.
I know many people who have pretty solid politics and opinions on societal matters, yet don’t want to speak about it online. Nor do they want to join any kind of organization that does work to address, political or social issues materially because they fear being publicly associated will harm them. And to not be misunderstood, I’m not saying that to speak online is the epitome of involvement, it’s usually not. It’s more of a signal mechanism that lets us know that you know.
All of these people who have good hearts that would in theory be willing to feed the homeless, help get out the vote, fight racism, and advocate for women’s rights end up completely silenced due to the fear of being reprimanded.
So we must ask ourselves, what exactly is public sentiment when the public has been hushed and muzzled into having to sentiments? Is it fair, or accurate, to measure and recognize complicity by silence if most Americans are forced to disregard their 1st amendment rights for the sake of social mobility?
I have theorized for a while, as a minority living in America, what exactly are rights under late stage capitalism? If I can’t voice my opinion on something that is seen as “counter culture” without losing my job, or getting kicked out of school because the Hillel house finds it offensive I don’t support a genocide, then to me that doesn’t much feel like I have the right to free speech at all.