At the time Orwell was referring to being able to criticise the Soviet union even when they were an ally against the Nazis. But the point applies now also.
Which means someone may be offended or find it disrespectful or annoying. But if we decide we are not allowed to say something because someone might not wish to hear it, for those various reasons or others, then we are making things worse, not better.
Both because we are losing that key element of liberty and also because an open expression of differing views is important in the dialectical process of moving forward towards solutions and better systems and situations.
Which means someone may be offended or find it disrespectful or annoying. But if we decide we are not allowed to say something because someone might not wish to hear it, for those various reasons or others, then we are making things worse, not better.
Both because we are losing that key element of liberty and also because an open expression of differing views is important in the dialectical process of moving forward towards solutions and better systems and situations.
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