Dozens of artists, writers and academics have signed an open letter decrying the weakening of public debate and warning that the free exchange of information and ideas is in jeopardy amid a rise in what they call B次元官网网址渋lliberalism.B次元官网网址�

J.K. Rowling, Salman Rushdie and Margaret Atwood are among dozens of writers, artists and academics to argue against ideological conformity in an open letter in HarperB次元官网网址檚 Magazine. The letter comes amid a debate over so-called cancel culture B次元官网网址� where prominent people face attack for sharing controversial opinions.

B次元官网网址淭he forces of illiberalism are gaining strength throughout the world and have a powerful ally in Donald Trump, who represents a real threat to democracy,B次元官网网址橞次元官网网址� the letter said. B次元官网网址淏ut resistance must not be allowed to harden into its own brand of dogma or coercionB次元官网网址攚hich right-wing demagogues are already exploiting. The democratic inclusion we want can be achieved only if we speak out against the intolerant climate that has set in on all sides.B次元官网网址橞次元官网网址�

Rowling, for example, has attracted criticism over her views on transgender issues, which have angered many activists. In a series of tweets, Rowling said she supported transgender rights but did not believe in B次元官网网址渆rasingB次元官网网址� the concept of biological sex.

The comments prompted Daniel Radcliffe and other cast members of the Potter films to publicly disagree with her. Rowling was unmoved, but was attacked for weeks online.

The letter criticized the state of public debate and the B次元官网网址渟wift and severe retributionB次元官网网址� dealt out to any perceived wrongs. It decried an B次元官网网址渋ntolerance of opposing views, a vogue for public shaming and ostracism, and the tendency to dissolve complex policy issues in a blinding moral certainty.B次元官网网址橞次元官网网址�

B次元官网网址淭he way to defeat bad ideas is by exposure, argument, and persuasion, not by trying to silence or wish them away,B次元官网网址� the letter said. B次元官网网址淲e refuse any false choice between justice and freedom, which cannot exist without each other.

Other signatories included Noam Chomsky, Gloria Steinem and Malcolm Gladwell.

Danica Kirka, The Associated Press

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