Hate Crimes, Racism, and Courage

Hate Crimes, Racism and Courage

In the context of the hate crimes, both those that have occurred in the past and what is currently happening, I want to have an open discussion regarding the vile that I receive online.

I am a firm believer in Freedom of Speech and I encourage everyone to share their perspective on The Symposium. Yet, this invitation is to challenge my ideas - not to disparage my character - and especially not to make racist remarks. I don't know you personally. You don't know me personally.

For the past few weeks, I've had to deal with the racist vitriol of a white supremacist and I wondered how I would present this in the context of courage.

I'm not a victim.

I offered him the opportunity to make his thoughts public. He constantly refused my invitations in the private messages. Then, on March 23rd, he "threatened" me. I don't run from conflict. So, I addressed him privately and tried to call him. I wanted to know what it was that he disagreed with. I am always open to being proven wrong.

He didn't even have the courage to take a private call. Unfortunately, the sound couldn't be recorded. When he finally takes the call, he doesn't show his face, rather, plays music and runs from the discussion. So, when you find racists who write in my comments - don't believe the hype. It's a different story behind the scenes.

It takes no courage to write racist remarks in my comments or to send idle threats of hate crime. You can't be held accountable for your actions by hiding in the comment section.

What I do isn't easy - I just make it look easy. I encourage everyone to challenge my ideas. Moreover, I am grateful when I'm proven wrong. However, I cannot appreciate racist remarks and I have no respect for those who hide when confronted.

There's more that I'll soon say on this topic. I'll share the private conversations and posts that he has made publicly in case he makes his account private. I plan to do a public dissection of him soon.

This should suffice for now...
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The Symposium : Berlin