Is there truth to the Quote “To learn who rules over you, simply find out who you are not allowed to criticize.”? This quote is very true. If you criticized the Bolsheviks, you were soon dead. You now criticize the Zionists and you’re either dead or slandered. The quote is commonly attributed to Voltaire, but this is disputed. Some detractors attribute it to a Nazi and use the attribution to degrade the person using the quote. Irrespective of it’s origin, the quote is true.
The possible mis-attribution does not make the quote invalid. The truth of the quote doesn’t depend on who said it. A possible retort to the “who you can’t make fun of, owns you”. Regardless of the quote’s origin, the quote reflects a sentiment about power dynamics and censorship in society.
This quote suggests that those in power often maintain control through mechanisms that suppress criticism. The ability to criticize certain individuals or groups is a sign of freedom and democracy. In many or most societies, there are entities which include governments, corporations, and social groups that exert influence over what can be publicly discussed or criticized. The quote highlights the importance of examining who is protected from criticism. [1]
Beyond formal censorship, social norms can also dictate what topics are taboo. This can include cultural, religious, or political figures. The quote encourages critical thinking about these norms. [1]
Throughout history, various regimes have silenced dissenting voices. This leads to the thoughts that those who cannot be criticized are often the pesons wielding the power. [1]
The quote is a thinking process to assist with the study of power dynamics in an entity, society, or country. One can use the analysis to determine who holds power and how they maintain that power. Using this quote and similar thinking encourages the maintenance of freedom of speech and the role of authority and it’s influence over us. If authority over us can force us to self-censor, the authority has too much power.
Many individuals are now practiced at silencing you in conversation. Try dealing with someone who shouts “bigot” every nine seconds to everyone they disagree with. Try having a discussion with an ‘extremist’. Try discussing politics in America. Try a discussion with a dogmatist. Try criticizing your spouse.
Ref:
[1] quora.com/Is-there-truth-to-the-Quote-To-learn-who-rules-over-you-simply-find-out-who-you-are-not-allowed-to-criticizeSome claim it comes from a Neo-Nazi. It is claimed he had child pornography. But one wonders how easily it is to plant child pornography onto someone’s computer. I remember an old neighbour saying that police throw a bag of white powder over the fence then knock on the front door. I remember an ex London policeman who resigned when requested to climb a back fence an plant a bag of white stuff in a cistern of a house before entering the premises with a warrant.
Here is a typical description:
Instead, it comes from the ravings of a particularly unpleasant neo-Nazi, Kevin Strom. It’s from his highly not-recommended-at-all work: All America Must Know the Terror That is Upon Us (1993, America First Books), which was published shortly before his sentence of 23 months in prison for the possession of child pornography. Should you wish to read his limpid prose, here it is:
To determine the true rulers of any society, all you must do is ask yourself this question: Who is it that I am not permitted to criticize? We all know who it is that we are not permitted to criticize. We all know who it is that it is a sin to criticize. Sodomy is no longer a sin in America. Treason, and burning and spitting and urinating on the American flag is no longer a sin in America. Gross desecration of Catholic or Protestant religious symbols is no longer a sin in America. Cop-killing is no longer a sin in America – it is celebrated in rap “music.” The degradation of beautiful young girls in disgusting pornography is no longer a sin in America. The killing by the multiple millions of the next generation in the womb is no longer a sin in America. But anti-semitism is the ultimate sin in America. But as things get worse and worse, we are losing our fear of this silly word. We all know who it is that controls the wealth of our nation through their exchanges and counting-houses in New York. We all know who it is that has deformed the minds of two generations of Americans with their television programs.
What is bizarre is that Semitic peoples are from the middle east. Most people moving to Israel have European origins from previous country called Kazaria. This means the most anti-Semitic people are the Israelis killing the Semitic Palestinians. Don’t forget that Mohamed was a pedophile, but that is another area that is sensitive.
From WikiIslam:
One of the most disturbing things about Islam is that it does not categorically condemn pedophilia. Indeed, it cannot, for to do so would draw attention to the pedophilia of Muhammad, the founder of Islam. Muslims cannot categorically condemn pedophilia without denouncing him as a false prophet. In addition to Aisha, he had planned to marry a baby, but died as a result of a poisoning before he could do so..
Please note the words: “the preferred means of achieving sexual excitement and gratification.” From the age of 54 until 64, Muhammad preferred the very young Aisha to the rest of his large harem and sex slaves. He had fantasies about Aisha before asking for her hand. He passed these fantasies off as “revelations” from the Supreme Being. [WiliIslam]
Catholics cannot criticize the Pope. Protestants cannot criticize their Pastors. Jewish readers cannot criticize their Rabbis. Muslims cannot criticize their Imam. Buddhists cannot criticize their priests. Hindus cannot criticize their gurus. Students cannot criticize their professors (and pass). Children cannot criticize their parents.
Aside from that, given the US Freedom of Speech and Press, it is an old tradition for any American to “cuss the President.”
