Manuel Ostermann asked what was happening to the culture of debate. He wrote that increasingly it was not just the argument that counted, but also who was saying something and from what political direction the statement came. Those who deviated from the expected corridor of opinion often had to justify themselves; contradiction led to exclusion and criticism could result in personal stigmatization, which could sometimes affect one’s professional existence. For him, democracy did not mean unanimity, but the possibility of having differing opinions. One could reject an opinion and criticize it sharply, but one must accept that others expressed it. Freedom of speech is especially demonstrated by views that one is reluctant to hear. In conclusion, Ostermann asked for the opinions of his readers. #Meinungsfreiheit #Debattenkultur #Demokratie (translated)


