Yes, of course some will defend hate speech. We would never have had the Holocaust if everyone were against it. But decent people know where the line is, and many of them will stand up to be counted when it is crossed.
This week saw the Tivoli Theatre in Wimborne, unlike many of their contemporaries, crossing that line.
From their statement when challenged, it appears that, like many before them, money was the motivation.
“The Tivoli Theatre does not endorse Ms. Hopkins’ or anyone else’s views; however, there are many people who do appreciate her outlook on life.
Katie Hopkins has appeared elsewhere in the area for two or more years running, which confirmed to us that there was a demand.
The show sold out within a few weeks when tickets went on sale last November and demonstrates that demand.
This is a closed event for paying attendees who are fully aware of her act.”
In other words, as The Clash sang in 1980, ‘If Adolf Hitler flew in today.
They’d send a limousine anyway’.
There were sadly many who prefer to allow people to say what they like on social media and beyond, no matter who it hurts or the consequences for people’s mental or physical health. I will not display them, but if one takes a look below, one can find some of them.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/882925520850985/permalink/1045319431278259
Thankfully, just as many refuse to stay silent when the merchants of hate escape from their cages. Those who received little or no love as a child now take it out on the rest of us, but many more were brought up properly and stand up to be counted.
This one response to those who confuse free speech and hate speech is particularly eloquent.
‘There is no ‘right’… to express homophobic, ableist, racist, transphobic, Islamophobic, or xenophobic views in such a way that breaches the law. Which Hopkins frequently does. The main reason why she has been sacked from a number of media companies.
I am one of many, many people in Dorset who reject hatred of all forms of other people.
More than 100 people took time to speak on Thursday evening to let the Tivoli Theatre and Ms. Hopkins know that she is not welcome here.
The Tivoli Theatre management very well knew that this would not be a welcome show, which is why it wasn’t advertised. The community will not forget this.’
What is required now is a boycott of the Tivoli Theatre by those who reject platforming hate speech for profit. Hatie Katie may not have broken any laws, but from a moral perspective, she is a busted flush.
Those who would have jeered at Jews as they were led away to trains, never to be seen again, or speak bile at autistic children, gay people, Muslims, trans people… may fight her corner, but for the rest of us, she is no more than the cockroach she claims others to be.
Shame on the Tivoli. You should have followed other venues’ responses, not chased the filthy lucre.
