Civilization Isn't Inherently Civilized

[DISCLAIMER]

On July 18, 2024, I stated in a blogpost entitled A Principled Stance on Free Speech:

Similar to my opposition to regressive actions taken in protection of some groups (e.g., Jewish people) rather than other groups (e.g., white people); I’ve observed additional behavior which I challenge. Since when was it not permissible to celebrate violent action against one’s political rivals?

While I don’t take part in such celebration, as I denounce political violence, I support the free speech of others who celebrate in such a manner. As an example, I honored Hillary Clinton’s right to cheer when Muammar Qaddafi was assassinated, even though I found her behavior repugnant.

This is because I take a principled stance on free speech. With this understanding, I’ve observed many people lamenting the fact that the apparent assassination attempt of Donald Trump was unsuccessful. I consider such behavior obnoxious.

Nevertheless, I support the right of people to freely express themselves. Still, there are people who perceivably value trampling the right to free speech.

For context, a principle is a comprehensive and fundamental law, doctrine, or assumption which serves as a rule or code of conduct, as in habitual devotion to right values. Given this understanding, I maintain a right to free speech, as covered by the First Amendment:

Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.

With this in mind, now consider what I stated in a blogpost entitled Time to Make Burgers, on February 28, 2024. This was posted before President of the United States (U.S.) Donald Trump was inaugurated for a second term of office:

Did you also misremember how Trump allowed social media companies to violate First Amendment protections when these corporate entities worked with government actors to suppress free speech? Trump had firsthand experience with his voice being suppressed and he did nothing.

In that post, I used thinking that was rational (in accordance with both logic and reason). After all, those who were capable of using a modus ponens syllogism (if p, then q; p; therefor, q) could’ve predicted a rational outcome.

For example, if Trump didn’t fervently defend free speech during his first term, then he wasn’t likely to do so during his second term. It’s worth noting that a U.S. president’s cabinet officials serve as direct representatives of the Chief Executive.

With this understanding, I recently stated in a blogpost entitled Are Your Actions Ruled by Reason?:

On September 10, 2025, the late [U.S.] right-wing conservative political activist, author, and media personality Charlie Kirk was murdered during one of his many speaking events. Advocating principles of free speech, Kirk arguably died as he lived. I respect that.

Before I proceed any further with this blogpost, allow me to express that I denounce legitimate acts of terrorism (the use of violence against non-combatants to achieve political or ideological aims), as the Kirk murder, an act of cowardice, may very well represent this criminal qualifier.

Also, as expressed previously within my blog, I don’t agree with everything that anyone has to say. Kirk was no exception to this personal rule. Nevertheless, I venerate those who commit their lives to principled stances in protection of the First Amendment.

That post regarded the many free expressions I observed from people online who apparently abhorred Kirk, his ideology, and his actions—as these are independent elements associated with the late media personality. In the post, I advocated a right to free speech, as a matter of principle.

This is because I comprehend that although citizens of the U.S. broadly comprise a civilization (a relatively high level of cultural and technological development), not everyone behaves in a manner which is civilized (characterized by taste, refinement, or restraint).

The distinction here is that civilization serves as a noun for an advanced society with specific characteristics, and being civilized connotes an adjective that describes such a society or individuals within that collective who exhibit polite, well-mannered, and humane behavior.

Understandably, civility within a civilization isn’t inherent (involved in the constitution or essential character of something: belonging by nature or habit). Being civilized is something toward which an individual or collective voluntarily, or through use of shame, strives.

In any event, yesterday, I heard a video clip of Trump administration U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi featured on the podcast of former Communications Director to the Vice President Katie Miller, notably current spouse of White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy Stephen Miller.

Before going further, I invite you to understand that oppression is defined as unjust or cruel exercise of authority or power. As expressed by one source, Bondi serves as serves as the chief law enforcement officer of the federal government. As such, Bondi stated during her interview:

There’s free speech, and then there’s hate speech. And there is no place – especially now, especially after what happened to Charlie [Kirk] – in our society. […] We will absolutely target you, go after you if you are targeting anyone with hate speech, anything.

In her commentary, oppressively acting in the capacity as the top cop of the U.S., Bondi used what is known in Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT) as an absolutistic belief associated with the irrationality of demandingness. This is a form of rigid decree.

In essence, Bondi left no room for nuance or exceptions to her oppressive dictate. Not only was her irrational command anti-constitutional, it was expressed with confidence regarding the Trump administration’s preparedness and ability to actively “target” law-abiding citizens.

Yesterday, I learned of this betrayal regarding the First Amendment at the end of my workday. I planned to post a blog entry on the matter today. Then, while working out earlier this morning, I heard a song that I thought would guide my rational approach to oppression in this regard.

On the 2015 album 14 Forms: The Book of Estee Nack, by Estee Nack and Purpose, the song “Churches, Music & Politics” features an outro sample from the 2011 film God Bless America. In the original scene, character Frank states to his coworker:

I mean, nobody talks about anything anymore. They just regurgitate everything they see on TV, or hear on the radio or watch on the web. When was the last time you had a real conversation with someone without somebody texting or looking at a screen or a monitor over your head?

You know, a conversation about something that wasn’t celebrities, gossip, sports, or pop politics. You know, something important, something personal. […]

I would defend their freedom of speech if I thought it was in jeopardy. I would defend their freedom of speech to tell uninspired, bigoted, blowjob, gay-bashing, racist and rape jokes – all under the guise of being edgy – but that’s not the edge. That’s what sells.

They couldn’t possibly pander any harder or be more commercially mainstream, because this is the “Oh no, you didn’t say that!” generation, where a shocking comment has more weight than the truth. No one has any shame anymore, and we’re supposed to celebrate it.

I saw a woman throw a used tampon at another woman last night on network television, a network that bills itself as “Today’s Woman’s Channel”. Kids beat each other blind and post it on YouTube. I mean, do you remember when eating rats and maggots on Survivor was shocking?

It all seems so quaint now. I’m sure the girls from 2 Girls 1 Cup are gonna have their own dating show on VH-1 any day now. I mean, why have a civilization anymore if we no longer are interested in being civilized?

Frank mentally grappled with the fact of free speech being something which is messy. Viewing this matter through the lens of REBT, regarding the ABC model, I think of both the Action-Consequence (A-C) connection and Belief-Consequence (B-C) connection.

As an example, when a person expresses so-called “hate speech” (Action), then those individuals who disagree with what’s being stated may seek out employers in order for termination of the person’s employment (Consequence). From an A-C outlook, speech may have consequences.

However, the sentiment experienced by individuals who disagree with so-called “hate speech” isn’t created by the freely expressed perspective. In a blogpost entitled Reactions Have Consequences, I noted how the B-C connection is what causes reactions.

Thus, when a person expresses alleged “hate speech” (Action) and people Believe unfavorable opinions about what’s being said, then it’s the Beliefs – not the Action – which causes outrage (Consequence). In this way, there’s no rational claim to speech being akin to violence.

Therefore, when providing psychoeducational lessons on REBT, I encourage people to take personal responsibility and accountability (collectively “ownership”) for their own reactions to matters such as supposed “hate speech.” For context, one source states about this matter:

Hate speech may be offensive and hurtful; however, it is generally protected by the First Amendment. One common definition of hate speech is “any form of expression through which speakers intend to vilify, humiliate or incite hatred against a group or a class of persons on the basis of race, religion, skin color, sexual identity, gender identity, ethnicity, disability or national origin.”

Courts have ruled that restrictions on hate speech would conflict with the First Amendment’s protection of the freedom of expression. Since public universities are bound by the First Amendment, public universities must adhere to these rulings.

I imagine that Bondi came to this realization, somewhat veering from the path of oppression down which she was traveling, because she’s since issued a lengthy X post in an apparent attempt to salvage her unproductive position expressed during the podcast episode, as she stated:

Hate speech that crosses the line into threats of violence is NOT protected by the First Amendment. It’s a crime. For far too long, we’ve watched the radical left normalize threats, call for assassinations, and cheer on political violence. That era is over.

Under 18 U.S.C. § 875(c), it is a federal crime to transmit “any communication containing any threat to kidnap any person or any threat to injure the person of another.” Likewise, 18 U.S.C. § 876 and 18 U.S.C. § 115 make it a felony to threaten public officials, members of Congress, or their families.

You cannot call for someone’s murder. You cannot swat a Member of Congress. You cannot dox a conservative family and think it will be brushed off as “free speech.” These acts are punishable crimes, and every single threat will be met with the full force of the law.

Free speech protects ideas, debate, even dissent but it does NOT and will NEVER protect violence.

It is clear this violent rhetoric is designed to silence others from voicing conservative ideals.

We will never be silenced. Not for our families, not for our freedoms, and never for Charlie. His legacy will not be erased by fear or intimidation.

As has been noted by another, Bondi has a poor understanding about the First Amendment. I look forward to the legal challenges that will continue unfolding under the Trump administration, because civilization isn’t inherently civilized and oppressive action won’t change that.

If you’re looking for a provider who tries to work to help you understand how thinking impacts physical, mental, emotional, and behavioral elements of your life, I invite you to reach out today by using the contact widget on my website.

As the world’s foremost hip hop-influenced REBT psychotherapist, I’m pleased to try to help people with an assortment of issues from anger (hostility, rage, and aggression) to relational issues, adjustment matters, trauma experience, justice involvement, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety and depression, and other mood or personality-related matters.

At Hollings Therapy, LLC, serving all of Texas, I aim to treat clients with dignity and respect while offering a multi-lensed approach to the practice of psychotherapy and life coaching. My mission includes: Prioritizing the cognitive and emotive needs of clients, an overall reduction in client suffering, and supporting sustainable growth for the clients I serve. Rather than simply trying to help you to feel better, I want to try to help you get better!

Deric Hollings, LPC, LCSW

Photo credit, fair use

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