You aren't brave

One thing I seem to encounter on this website is that when someone has a controversial opinion, people give them praise for having the "guts" to say it.

Exactly what consequences do these people face for expressing such opinions? A few mean comments is most likely, but not anything beyond that. Are these people going to be prosecuted for expressing that opinion? Are these people going to be murdered for it? Will they face the death penalty? Will they be tortured? Will they be put in a concentration camp?

On the internet, you have the option to be anonymous and not very many people actually give a fuck about what you have to say. If they do, the most they'll ever do about it is maybe say something mean to you.

Ooh, spoooky.

So, please, don't praise people for using the anonymity of the internet to express their thoughts. Instead, praise people who truly have to fight for freedom of speech: [link]