The Freedom to Trash: Why I Give as Good as I Get.
“That stalker Taylor is trashing you.” Cries Georgie. To which Alex replies with that smug moral superiority I’ve seen a thousand times: “Thanks for letting me know.” That little exchange says everything about the game we’re all playing online. Everyone loves the freedom to trash others — until the boot is on the other foot. Then suddenly it’s harassment, bullying, or “unacceptable behaviour.” Me? I’m done with the hypocrisy. I believe in equal rights: if you can dish it out, you’d better be ready to take it. Let me give you a prime example. James Hind famously trashed the life’s work of Ross Broadstock. Ross died tragically and suddenly in 2022, leaving behind a wife and three teenage boys. Within 48 hours, Hind published his verdict: “Good riddance. This guy was turning ancient history and King Arthur into a farce. Now we can get back to serious and proper historical research.” Harsh? Absolutely. But here’s the thing — these same people who celebrate tearing down others cry foul t...
