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Open Letter to Joe Rogan by Zarna Joshi
Hi Joe,
I’ve watched some of your podcast on youtube and I like your interviewing style and your humor. I’m glad that you are bringing on interesting political candidates who are often ignored or hated by the mainstream media.
I’ve also seen that sometimes, even when the conversation isn’t about trans rights, you bring up transphobic talking points and insist that you should be able to say whatever you want, even if it’s “controversial” because otherwise it violates your freedom of speech. You argue against “cancel culture” and say that no one should be “canceled” because they hold controversial opinions. (I’m paraphrasing so tell me if I’m inaccurate in what I’m paraphrasing here.)
First, I want you to know that I agree with trans liberation and try to be an advocate for their right to exist just as themselves because that’s my responsibility as a person with cis and straight privilege. As you know, trans people have always existed in every culture all over the world so their struggle for liberation is not new.
Second, I want you to know that I agree with freedom of speech. I agree with you, Joe. Everyone has an opinion and they have a right to their opinion. They shouldn’t be excluded from the discourse because of their opinion. And while everyone has opinions, I also agree that some people’s opinions are not accurate. Someone might have an opinion that the earth is flat. They have a right to that opinion but they are also factually wrong. I have a right to state this because I also have a right to freedom of speech and a right to be part of the discourse. I have a right to share my opinion as well as facts. This is why even if I don’t agree with someone, I share resources with them to help them understand why I’m saying what I’m saying. If someone doesn’t want to understand me, that’s up to them, but the resources are always there for them. The earth is not flat, no matter how strong someone’s opinion on it might be. I hope that at some point we might all learn facts, and set inaccurate opinions aside.
That’s why I’m writing this open letter to you. I have freedom of speech. And I have the freedom to share resources and continue the discourse. I hope you and your audience won’t dismiss me for sharing this with you, Joe. I hope you’ll respect my right…
