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In my opinion, @grantrobertson1's reaction (cancelling of regular slot on show) to being asked to respond to a 'conspiracy theory' by Peter Williams on @MagicTalkRadio was arrogant, elitist, and shows how rapidly the govt are shrinking the Overton Window. 1/
We are in the midst of a pandemic with unprecedented restrictions on freedoms & the govt should be doing everything they can to inform & reassure EVERY NZer. 2/
Sneering at conspiracy theories - which often emerge when there is a vacuum of credible info - and refusing to engage in discussion to refute them shows a disdain for the fears of those who believe them. People are scared, @grantrobertson1 how about reassuring them? 3/
Funnily enough ignoring or deplatforming conspiracy theories does not make them go away! @grantrobertson1 had the opportunity to provide info to dispel the myths & reassure those who have sought explanations elsewhere. He chose to tell them to "f*ck off" (metaphorically). 4/
I spent a few hours chatting with an anti-vaxxer in my life this week. I listened to their concerns & presented info I had to argue my position. It was frustrating at times, but if I'd been rude & walked away what would that have achieved? 5/
As it turns out, respectfully engaging with people about their fears & scepticism & calmly presenting info is much more effective at persuading people than being arrogant & treating them like vermin. 6/
Our PM @jacindaardern promised to lead a govt for all NZers & @grantrobertson1 there are a lot of NZers engaging in conspiracy theories because they're not able to trust what you're saying. Reach out to them! Reassure them! 7/
Right now it looks like our govt is actively delegitimising media that exists outside of the narrow leftist window they have deemed acceptable. This is scary. We need an effective broad media to hold the govt to account. 8/
As you can tell I'm furious with this latest elitist move by @grantrobertson1 - not because I agree with conspiracy theories, but because I can see the humanity of those who turn to them. 9/
