Carl,
To think that our change is faster or greater would be hubris for our age. To think the change we see is occurring quickly also reflects the wishful thinking that surely we’re near the end by now.
I disagree; that’s my point. I think we are nowhere near even the end of the beginning. The disruption we face may not include a 30 Years War, but it could be just as volcanic (or not; too soon to tell).
As for your point about leaving speech to private actors: I would damned sure prefer it in private hands than in public — that is, Donald Trump’s — hands.
As for your point about underrepresented communities: Mass media did not represent them. Social media provides an opportunity for them to share their experience, to gather, to organize, to change. See #blacklivesmatter, #metoo, #livingwhileblack — all stories white, mass media did not cover.
I see too many of the gatekeepers of the last age dying to maintain their status. I don’t wish for that.