Department of Public Works employee Eric Batman claims that having to see a Progress Pride flag flying outside the department’s Alhambra, California, headquarters during the month of June effectively forces him to “celebrate, recognize, and solemnize conduct and actions that he views as sin” in conflict with his sincerely held Christian religious beliefs, according to a lawsuit filed in March by anti-LGBTQ+ evangelical nonprofit the Liberty Counsel.
Well I agree that we’re seeing some kneejerk reactions to things, and unwillingness to engage or argue with perceived enemies. Like I’m so done talking politely with fascists but it swings both ways. Like that same trained behavior (because it is exhausting and painful) and good vs evil thinking has been redirected e.g. against anyone defending Russia or China or Iran. But strangely the same thing failed in trying to curtail criticism against Palestine.
But I think part of it is BECAUSE there is no legal recourse against inciting hatred against ethnicity or genders. The US and the US owned social media are very extreme and have totally changed how people talk. Before we didn’t have people just constantly dogwhistling about race etc. So because there is no defense the only thing left is being offended. There is no moderation. We are left with impotent rage.
And of course the lawsuit in OP weaponizes that “freedom of speech” extremism. Tolerance is being sold as intolerance against the intolerant.
Yeah this is the whole idea of why their culture wars, Distract people from the true issues so they can fight with each other and leave the wealthy elite to do whatever the fuck they want.