James, I would go so far as to say it's USUALLY about silencing people. For those moaning loudest, freedom of speech should only work one way. Those with a significant platform get to say whatever they want to say, but the rest of us to shouldn't get to respond unless it's to agree with them. It happens on both sides of the aisle, but conservatives are particularly adept at using it to position themselves as perennial victims. I don't see how freedom of speech is served if people are not allowed to call out the transphobic comedy of a highly paid Netflix star. The thing I despise most about the cancel culture mob is that they're more concerned with the rich and famous than with the people who actually need protection most.