Most Americans are Afraid to Express Their Political Beliefs

In the age of cancel culture and social media vigilantes, it shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise that a strong majority of Americans, especially Republicans, are afraid to publicly share their political views out of fear of retribution.

This idea is reflected in a new poll commissioned by the Cato Institute.

Sixty-two percent of Americans say they self-censor their political views because others might find them offensive.

• 52 percent of Democrats
• 59 percent of Independents
• 77 percent of Republicans

When asked if they worry about professional retribution for political speech, 31 percent of liberals, 30 percent of moderates, and 34 percent of conservatives said yes.

Fifty-two percent of liberals, 64 percent of moderates, and 77 percent of Republicans believe the current political climate prevents them from sharing some of their beliefs.

It should be noted, however, that nearly six in ten Americans who identify as a “staunch liberal” feel as though they can and should actively share their political opinions. Fifty percent of this group also supports firing Trump donors; Forty-four percent of all Americans under the age of 30 support firing executives who donate to Trump.

America is headed down a dangerous trend where freedom of speech is actively discouraged. 

Read the full results of the survey here.