The author, with experience challenging China's authoritarian government, advocates for courage as a crucial strategy to fight back against growing authoritarianism, both in China and the United States.
The article recounts the author's observations of Chinese writers, journalists, and civil rights lawyers who bravely resist the Chinese Communist Party, facing potential imprisonment. The author personally has experienced online harassment and threats against their family in China.
The author draws parallels to the United States, noting that Americans are increasingly facing threats from their own government for exercising their rights. Examples are given of companies scaling back DEI programs due to political pressure, illustrating fear's influence.
The main argument is that courage is not just a moral virtue but a strategic necessity in resisting authoritarian tendencies. It's a call to action against self-preservation at the expense of principles. The author contrasts this with the actions of some who have compromised their values to avoid political backlash.