Jack Solomon | We Should Support No Platforming (5/8) | Oxford Union

The speaker in this video is a competitive debater, and therefore the views expressed may not necessarily represent their beliefs.
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The Motion: This House Supports No Platforming.
ABOUT THE OXFORD UNION SOCIETY: The Oxford Union is the world's most prestigious debating society, with an unparalleled reputation for bringing international guests and speakers to Oxford. Since 1823, the Union has been promoting debate and discussion not just in Oxford University, but across the globe.

[@OxfordUnion]

Watch the full debate here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pJ6conmgpq9ql9U

[@michaelcrean1456]

Banning the symptoms does not cure the disease. If banning hate speech stops the hate groups, why are the hate groups growing in the silence, thriving in the quite? Why does anti-fa have to constantly seek out the hordes of imaginary neo-nazi's? Free speech makes the hate groups beliefs answerable to reality. Reveals them and offers a bridge to reconciliation away from hate.

[@michaelcrean1456]

No platforming kills the ability of anyone to have an argument. No platforming means you deny me the opportunity for you or me to change minds.

[@vdp1451]

I can't believe we have actually reached a point in the West where we are discussing whether Freedom of Speech should be allowed any longer. Wow, George Orwell really saw it coming.

[@theseustoo]

Sadly, there would appear to be far too many people in power today who apparently see Orwell's 1984, not as a warning, but as an instruction manual... :/

[@Fukkeduck]

So your whole argument is: I am a piss-poor debater, therefore my opposition should not get a platform anymore? I sure hope this boy is not a benchmark for what's coming out of Oxford University these days ...

[@SurpriseMeJT]

Well, he's just a kid and will learn from this experience. It's just a point of departure for him, which will lead to him changing his mind. He will thank free-speech for that.

[@VincenzoInfi]

Really is a shame that one of the greatest universities on the planet is producing this

[@top-dex1853]

HA HA HA he talks about banging your head against a wall. That's me listening to him.

[@npr1300A8]

@@top-dex1853 As soon as he used foul language he lost the argument.

[@squatch545]

@@npr1300A8 But Katie Hopkins didn't?

[@zeppelindodds]

I am so embarrassed, I apologize for this Australian

[@CrunchyNorbert]

dw we'll find some office to stick him in and leave him there

[@aodhfinn]

What's an Australian..?

[@top-dex1853]

😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣

[@AsherWolfson]

He's from the Democratic socialist Republic of Victoria. His LinkedIn profile says he went to Melbourne Grammar... A prime the prime specimen of a regressive leftist who is so woke yet so fragile that the idea of reasonable debate is predicated on only disagreeing with people below your level and dismissing any who are your equal or better as too extreme to be worth debating

[@dbeaton1111]

@@aodhfinn Someone from Austria with a tail.

[@Marc_Lambert]

He's right about one thing: He is boring and unable to outwit anyone he is in favour of no platforming.

[@squatch545]

So you're saying that style trumps substance?

[@ProNorden]

Marc Lambert, .. Hmmn .."Solomon" you say? Then why is he promoting #antiSemitism by opposing free speech ? ✌ #ReinforcingStereotypes #judeoCorporatism #ConfirmingAnimus

[@cardboardbox191]

We don't know what he thinks it says near the video it's a competative debate (the idea he was backing was probably picked for him).

[@darrenmarchant1720]

thank you Jack Solomon for proving to me that No Platforming is a bad idea.

[@jonh6671]

Ben Shapiro is a highly educated lawyer... That's why he would school you, not because he's controversial...

[@sampollard3614]

Well said

[@Playstation1]

Ben Shapiro is a Zionist shill

[@noicedesign]

Ben Shapiro appeals to people who buy into quick speech, performative words, and catchy hooks rather than a clear, cogent argument.

[@troyezell5841]

AJ Weber so you throw out a “quick speech, performative words” with no information other than your opinion to back up your claim. There was nothing cogent about your statement except the fact that you are a poor loser.

[@troyezell5841]

Playstation1 put down the Alexandria Occasional Cortex comic book of speaking points and say something intelligible.

[@Loki-ci1yd]

So his argument is be afraid of words because anybody outside of his Overton window is evil and will defeat him in a debate

[@benzman7347]

Thats with all leftists😂 all of them. Feelings over facts. Its humor.

[@dostthouevenlogicbrethren1739]

The irony of these entitled kids that whine about others' priveleges. It is painfully clear he has never faced any oppression. Lest he would know exactly what happens when free speech is taken....and exactly why it is the protection of minorities to give that free speech. He's essentially saying that other platforms that are more established than him can squash out his argument....therefore we should squash out any argument that he doesn't like. Hypocrite much? No wonder he's so afraid of getting silenced in a debate against anyone with half an IQ. I wonder if anyone has asked him what he thinks will happen when people are allowed to censor and silence those dissenting views....should the majority, say....not support trans rights. Hmmm....almost like the idiots that whine about the majority oppressing everyone, are the very ones wanting to hand that majority total control over what is allowed to be said....but what could possibly go wrong? ha ha

[@stealthattack2209]

NO that is not his his argument but I can understand why an idiot like you would think like that.

[@looking-glass135]

How are you supposed to “deserve the right to be heard” if you are not allowed to speak, to prove your worthiness?

[@PRJKTan12]

You just undid his whole argument with one sentence.

[@arnaudcutrone1784]

He didn't say one was not allowed to speak, his stance was that that one, was not entitled to have a platform which is a big nuance, and which is also the motion of this debate. i'm just clarifying. not taking a stance myself

[@looking-glass135]

I literally quoted the guy! Of course he’s got the right to speak - what this guy is arguing is that he’s got no right to be heard! “Platform” can mean anything beyond your own front door, and probably not even that far, if Alexa has anything to do with it! Sorry, but I believe have the right to decide what I am willing to hear!

[@arnaudcutrone1784]

@@looking-glass135 platform can only mean anything if you don't understand what it means in this exact context... Aside from that, none of what he said, says that you are not allowed to hear... I think you are reaching

[@dostthouevenlogicbrethren1739]

@@arnaudcutrone1784 One cannot speak without a platform. It is impossible for you to be heard on Facebook if you are not allowed to be on it. It's impossible for you to speak over an online mob when you are standing on a single street corner. Yes, he is saying exactly that.

[@liukin95]

If this guy is purusing a career in politics, god help us if people like him get elected!

[@ticketyboo2456]

Craig T do you mean pursuing?

[@peteratkinson922]

I thnik he deos

[@seppomuppit]

@@ticketyboo2456 Nah he means perusing.

[@Mihaelathegreat]

in a debate, you are given an opinion to argue. Its not necessarily his opinion

[@TheLateBoyScout]

TL;DR... "If you're a better speaker than me, you shouldn't be allowed to speak."

[@isitsafe6166]

Gawd, this guy's pretty salty about Ben Shapiro

[@chrisv.noire.6388]

good. Is an idiotic little dweep compensating for his micro-dick by trying to be the thoughtleader to buffoons too lazy to think for themselves. That might just be you.

[@posterlion]

Ben would reply, "What in the actual F?"

[@isitsafe6166]

@@chrisv.noire.6388 oh gawd , another one. Lol. .

[@CrunchyNorbert]

he took all his fancypants

[@grizzlygrizzle]

He's pretty salty about Milo, too. And Ben is also hostile to Milo. So, given the popularity of the doctrine, "The enemy of my enemy is my friend," whose side is this guy on?

[@zootsoot2006]

All of his points are based on the belief that everyone is stupid. Other than the speaker of course. Such sweet irony is hard to bear.

[@brianrhiel5292]

Socialism in a nutshell. Trust the state (intelligentsia) because you aren't smart enough to think for yourself.

[@victorgomes7585]

Lol... Well inferred !

[@RegineAteliers]

@@brianrhiel5292 They don't realize that they too will get the bullet.

[@AleadaA]

Controversial speakers stimulate your thinking and get you to examine your own views, so do not be afraid but embrace this opportunity for self examination!

[@demonicsweaters]

Literally made 0 valid points. Does anyone know the turnout of the actual voting on this?

[@Dhal-SimMusic]

Not sure but if you go by the thumbs up and thumbs down icons on KZbin, it’s a pretty lopsided victory.

[@marcbulloch58]

They voted against. Free speach prevailed. The media never reported it funnily enough. If they voted for no platforming you can bet the media would have been all over it.

[@action1976]

@@marcbulloch58 I am not surprised, all of the speakers who were for no platforming were an embarrament. This is the real reason why they support no platforming, is they don't have any valid argument to support their claim.

[@sharonstrickland8647]

So pretty much he's jealous. And wants to take the place of everyone he's jealous of. Well, sorry to say, but ya still won't have a following even if you silence your competition.

[@ukguy]

The funny thing is that Ben Shapiro is far more intelligent and correct than him.

[@NathanAFolefac]

Did you not here his solution for climate change? It was embarrassing

[@TheKelpie13]

I think everybody is more intelligent and correct then fucking Solomon here. lol

[@victor382]

What I get from his speech, is “I’m too stupid to be offended, and since I’m stupid and get offended you should not offend me.”

[@NovaDexter]

Someone needs to teach the left there is a block button if they don't want to see or hear things they don't like, They don't need to kill the others freedoms just so they aren't upset.

[@FiremarshalM1]

Mute button is better.😉

[@NathanAFolefac]

How many people have Dave Rubin & Candace Owens blocked? Loads

[@FiremarshalM1]

Nathan Folefac and? President Trump cannot block anyone. Interesting. When Twitter & FaceBook can deplatform anyone-even those that do not violate their terms of service.

[@robinthrush9672]

What they want is an offline block button and to use others' block buttons on their behalves.

[@jagjitdusanjh8356]

So this guy's argument is as follows: controversial speakers should be no platformed because others can't handle it.

[@teknical100]

He started so well up to 1.30. I bet his mum watched that and wondered where all the money went.

[@peterstanczak3130]

Jack Solomon = Total NONSENSE !

[@starinthesky451]

Oh boy ...Katie Hopkins is next. I don't envy him...

[@huntergray3985]

I hadn't heard of Ben Shapiro. Now I've read and listened to him I like him. Thank you, Jack, for introducing me to new ideas.

[@soundproductionandadvice]

The sad thing is one day this joker will be in a position of power. Let's hope he matures by then.

[@MariaSpooon]

The reason why you don't have a massive following is you are not making any sense. Individuals have a choice whether to listen to someone when they are interesting and informative.

[@CrunchyNorbert]

he lacks LOGOS!!!!

[@Marcifare]

5:41 "I don't have the wit that a person like Ben Shapiro has, that is why I'm always going to lose to them" - Yep mate, that pretty much says it all.

[@NickEnchev]

"Setting a precedent of no-platforming forces speakers to express themselves in ways that is more acceptable to mainstream audiences." How do you even say that without feeling like an absolute moron?

[@bigjob7551]

Now then fella, HAVE YOU CLEANED YOUR ROOM!!! 🤣

[@toffee6701]

To make the point that not all voices should be equally heard, with conviction, and not see it as tyrannical. Amazing.

[@paulrprichard]

This a debate about who should or should not be allowed to participate in a debate - WTF!!!???

[@CbrigBear87]

straight into the jew stuff.

[@squatch545]

Just like Shaprio.

[@allahspreadshate6486]

I'm only surprised he didn't tell us what his pronouns are...

[@rick91443]

This fellow is scary, seemingly innocent student, clean cut, etc, and if he ever got into power, what a DRAB, GRAY, AVERAGE place the country would be.

[@BartJBols]

He is a competitive debater, and i doubt he actually holds these beliefs.

[@kalsolarUK]

He did indeed blow my mind...with 10 minutes of white noise.

[@chanman2001]

His "I'm not smart enough to out wit my opponent." Is the most accurate thing he has said. Is he so ignorant to believe that wit is something you're born with? Wit and wisdom are intelligent + knowledge + experience.

[@hrezamohamm2429]

He means because he's not as witty and intelligent as his opponents, then they must be deplatformed. I wonder if he understands that all the points he made confirms the oppositions point of view.

[@streglof]

TL;DW: we should no platform speakers I disagree with

[@kozepz]

Why give this lady a platform?

[@novocastriangirl8418]

So he doesn't want to debate these people because he's not as good as them..........hmmm

[@pigknickers2975]

I say his diction is very poor isn't it?

[@breadonitsown8950]

His final argument about no platforming controversial speakers as a way to force them to communicate in a way more pleasing to "mainstream audiences" is the most disturbing of all, and either shoes a woeful ignorance about the problem, or a wilful denial of the reality, which is that these arguments about offence are almost never proposed and lauded by the mainstream, but by ideologically radical minorities who are amplified by social media and faux outrage. Who gets to decide what's acceptable to the mainstream? Ultimately, we end up with an elite deciding what's right for the mainstream. How can he seriously stand up and advocate this stuff?

[@joegalley2187]

He self-owned and admitted defeat no less than 4 times during the course of his speech

[@allahspreadshate6486]

I was thinking something similar. He keeps mentioning situations where he comes off worse, I'm thinking maybe that's HIS problem. The fact he's an idiot with the reasoning of a child may have a LOT to do with why he's coming off worse in most situations...

[@bhavikakumar7336]

"I'm not clever thus people shouldn't be allowed to speak against me", someone give this boy an award

[@aprilwilliamson9918]

I was raised to appreciate the fact that we can say what we think. I understand freedom of expression to be the cornerstone of civilization. I cannot believe gen Z is fighting against it.

[@Smudgie]

This might be scary if it wasn't so sad and pathetic, not to mention excruciating. The doctrine behind it is terrifying.

[@EVZYL]

Sounds more like a primary school boy than a university student.

[@ragnarbluechip8795]

Yeah, his cadences just sound off. Imagine him singing a song, lol

[@NathanAFolefac]

Lol just cause you disagree with him

[@gbennett58]

"The controversial speaker will always win." "You are far more likely to believe.. a celebrity" "Controversial speakers acquire a moral high ground by being invited by prestigious institutions "Controversial speakers".... are better prepared, with teams of analysts, etc. "Controversial speakers" .. build traps into their arguments, which defeat any possible response in advance. And are therefore more likely to sway the audience in their favor. As a result he says "I am more likely to lose" the argument. This is the entirety of the reason why he thinks someone should be de-platformed. What an inane argument. How ignorant. How intolerant. How authoritarian. How Stalinist. Under his administration, this forum should be re-named the "Oxford Mutual Admiration Society".

[@mhdakonntewasdranseinmann650]

Yes ITS SOOOÖ RIDICOULUS ... HALLELUHJA XD XD such an clown ... sorry for my free speech to call him clown .... i fuess he couldnt handle my "Clown-word" so we should deplattform everybody wich calles him an arguementless clown ... ;)

[@TommyMartinezpt]

I came here with a open mind and now I'm wondering why are this little kids talking when they don't understand the subject

[@allahspreadshate6486]

So true.

[@77777dani]

... and can you smell the obsession with those he detests 😂😂

[@joybass5241]

The only way to end violence and rage in the streets is to platform everyone. We have to speak to each other regardless of what is said.

[@paneceatiki9117]

Jack feels inadequate. 5:34 He admits that he feels very inadequate to deal with any opposition. That is the very definition of a "Snowflake". Melt, Jack. Melt.

[@DerekWong967]

Completely lacks charisma. Even if he had valid points I wouldn't want to hear them

[@larrydawson2580]

Insanity on display.

[@padraigkilkenny13]

This is comedy Gold!

[@Durzo1259]

Seems that the crux of his argument is "we can't let bad people speak because there's a very real risk that people will be persuaded." Since when is it someone else's right to decide whether I should be persuaded? The mantra of a free society is not "You can't let people challenge the status quo, because what if it works!?"

[@fredperry9235]

Stupid appeal to authority

[@Covalima]

His arguments would be fine if normal conservatives weren't being constantly no-platformed.

[@supermarinespitfire1]

This had zero substance.

[@LiftOffLife]

In another time this man would be a brown shirt burning books in the 1930's.

[@frankday1234]

Whatta Lotta Rhubarb.

[@xelaphilia]

I would almost deplatform him, if I wasn't against it.

[@0sba]

To see how many people agree with him is truly showing for the herd mentality considering the way it is received by the general public on KZbin. Even at an institution that should be a safehaven for free thinking, there are now people that would like to see other opinions get shut down.

[@HelloEveryonez678]

He is right: nobody will remember him.

[@CbrigBear87]

hahaha did he say he didn't have the wit of shapiro? lmfao

[@thetrivium2261]

Alex Jones represents absoloutely nobody in that room, nor does Richard Spencer. That's disgusting.

[@420henry7]

Genuinely shocked, the brain of what I would deem high school level. Beyond appalling

[@Roger-ws8rj]

So..... no platform for those you apose because your afraid you'll lose. Yea, unfortunately we all lose sometimes, that's called life.

[@JASAdvantage]

I attended a University in the US that is not well known and has "average" intelligence when compared to those whom may attend Oxford as defined by modern University metrics. However, after listening to this man's speech, it has become apparent to me that intelligence, as measured as a metric of how well one does in school, is a poor metric to be used in society. Those that attended school with me are much better equipped to lead society than this individual. ( That was me speaking in my "Oxford" voice) This guy is clueless, I'm glad they put him on stage to expose the ridiculousness of their argument. (How I really talk)

[@radioactivepotato2068]

I fell asleep half way through the Auzzie bloke and woke back up thinking this was Terence and Phillip.

[@PaulHere1953]

Is Jack talking about the newspapers. Is he a watcher of CNN??? Why is he allowing himself to talk???

[@MyrkDomolith]

Let's see... Jack did a poor enough job at respectfully and effectively stating his actual points that they warrant translating: Seems he's new enough to these issues that he's not yet jaded- and going by how fervent he is, he genuinely supports this stance to a rather blinding degree. "We should support no-platforming because..." People and families who go through traumatic and devastating experiences where they lose themselves or someone they care deeply for Don't need random people using them and their stories to get popular at their expense, and DEFINITELY don't need that compounded by the audiences of said popular people. In other words: Outrage-politics and yellow-journalism/clickbait-journalism do more damage to whoever or whatever is being talked about than staying silent would. Which is true in both wordings. Note that his focus is on specific types of controversy and controversial figures, those that sensationalize and bring about hostile and us-vs-them attitudes. However, the recent history of no-platforming on and off of the internet has made both more rampant, far-reaching and infectious. As Jack himself is evidence of by showing those same hostile and us-vs-them attitudes. Whether you consider his arguments, have experience dealing with this level of discourse or simply distance yourself from his emotionally-fueled examples/ guided/loaded questions, Jack's speech does more for the not-supporting side than the supporting side.

[@mpetersen6]

The people who take this position never seem to realize they could be next. Petty little tyrants.

[@ChrisM186]

What a little man! So cute!

[@padraigkilkenny13]

Just wanted to add he sounds like Terrance and Phillip from South Park.

[@havock89]

This guy obviously never saw the Jordan Peterson and Kathy Newman interview...

[@ryanbthiesant2307]

He makes very good points - freedom of speech is a right. Hate speech is not. The two should not be confused. Lastly, the law overrides any rules the organisation has to admit people to speak. Speaking at Oxford is a privilege, not a right. Oxford is not above the law. No one is.

[@jaredarroz]

New to this this debate setting. Can anyone tell me the importance of the bell from the guy sitting the middle.

[@user-lt5no1xt1z]

I support no platforming so that this guy can stop boring people to tears😢 without making an argument 😂😂 Jkjk

[@robertrankin-lv6iv]

SILLY WE BOY.

[@johnhill3454]

This one is just sad. He must aiming to be a politician he says nothing of value.

[@peterstavropoulos9557]

John Hill exactly my thoughts 😂

[@spacebuddy5339]

I'm offended by this gentleman's speech. He shouldn't be allowed to speak ever again!

[@sensitivecuriosity5054]

Yes they should be able to speak. And that is that.

[@ebradley2306]

Interesting. A bunch of American republicans are living rent free in this man’s head.

[@toddconnell8324]

Of course we should deplatform people, but it should be done by the government, and agreed upon by both political parties

[@shamster7182]

That youngster in a tux was talking like a child, not very bright.

[@romanempire8705]

If “controversial” speakers always win is for two reasons, either you suck at postulating your position or what they are saying has some value that you either ignore or choose to ignore. Shock value is not a way to win, Jordan Peterson speaks the most common sense of most speakers I’ve heard and the guy is victorious in every of his speeches! Come back with stronger arguments...

[@allosaurusfragilis7782]

We have to get away from the notion that causing offence is a serious crime. People who take offence cannot dictate what can and cannot be said. It doesnt work anyway. We all know that banning a song or a film is a great way to make it more popular. Similarly, banning a speaker will give them more kudos, or dangerous appeal. No, let it all be heard, so that we can make up our own minds, thank you..

[@posterlion]

With his logic, Jesus would be de-platformed since he'd immediately offend everyone by making them realize they're a sinner. "He who is free from sin, cast the first stone." People really should read the old literature before they begin spouting off.

[@sebastianlangley8900]

Wow, im in disagreement with the left here, but this guy has some good points! Free speech doesn't trump privet property rights, for example lets say i knock on the door to your home, do i have the right to free speech if you close the door on me? Sure! However I can not use free speech as a way to force entry into your house and make you listen to me, instead im left talking to myself infront of the closed door. However this argument fails when we talk about the public square.

[@isitsafe6166]

So....racism = people who don't agree with me and talk about things I find uncomfortable. Is that right? I'm still trying to figure out this racism thing

[@sartwon]

What’s a clear sign your argument is biased? Speech that is hurried and shaken.

[@gedomazo5436]

Why don't they say whether the motion stood or defeated ???? Doesn't anybody find it frustrating ??? I'd personally love to know what kind of people are there in the audience of Oxford union.

[@nicolesteele6000]

I didn't know a male could be shrill.

[@darrenmarchant1720]

we should not increase or decrease data streams based on any political position.

[@ManInTheBigHat]

Why is Steve Bannon such a problem for these people? He's quite reasonable.

[@cydo8581]

when the guys from 5:30 pointed out a rather obvious fact, he said 'ya' with a glimpse of annoyance and condescendence.. LO

[@GaryMcCaffrey]

This guy is weak, putting up with him is painful.

[@drdaverob]

Free speech is for the airing of ideas. YOU don't have to defeat them RIGHT THEN AND THERE. The mismatch is unimportant.

[@varidian694]

the moment you quash an opposing opinion you remove the very core of equality, and thus 1000 years of progress is wasted

[@darrenmarchant1720]

if you want to win don't be meek don't be weak.