Silence is NOT Violence: Exposing the Kritik Trap

What Is the Kritik?

Silence is NOT violence. Violence is violence, and violent rhetoric incites actual violence. Do not fall for the kritik trap.

A modern debate tactic, the kritik, comes from the German word for critique. It emerged from “Critical Theory,” developed at the Frankfurt School in the 1930s. The goal was to combine philosophy, sociology, economics, politics, and psychology into a “social totality.” Yes, that’s a Karl Marx term. Many in the group were Marxists, though Jewish academics also played a role. In 1934, they moved their institute to Columbia University in New York City.

Critical Theory’s Key Tenets

Critical Theory frames capitalism and the status quo as inherently bad. It justifies social evils if they achieve a larger end. The logic is simple: the ends justify the means. Proponents often invent new terms without clear definitions, rely on slogans, and push catchphrases. They ignore counterpoints or facts and shift the debate to a broader, ill-defined “macro issue.”

If you agree with part of the expanded issue, you must reject all evidence that challenges it. Anything goes. Shock value is encouraged. Arguments become personal and emotional, centered on the individual rather than the policy. Many presentations devolve into word salad and rhetorical overkill. Yet, because they are delivered with passion, they are often accepted as truth. The endgame: insist the illusory premise is real and shut down debate.

An Example of the Trap

A: University DEI policies promote discrimination, not merit. Policy should focus on merit, not skin color, heritage, or gender preference.
K: People are dying in my neighborhood. Historically disadvantaged students need equity (not equality). They deserve admittance regardless of academic records.
A: Did you get here on merit?
K: Yes, I have a full scholarship through minority programs. You don’t get it. Your questions are violent against me and my family. Kids are dying in my neighborhood and their blood is on your hands.
A: Can you show me where I’ve killed children?
K: You don’t get it. You’re a transphobic, racist, Christofascist, parish-pumper who wants genocide for my people.
A: I’m none of those things. Can you explain why I am?
K: Look at me! My merit is being here. Your violence against me is too much. I hope you make it safely to your car.

This exchange shows how the kritik avoids facts and relies on emotional declarations.

Why the Kritik Persists

The kritik pretends to seek emancipation but offers no clear plan for reconstruction. It promotes nihilism and anarchism, seeking destruction of existing structures while refusing policy debate.

Surprisingly, even educated people and debate judges fall for this tactic. The voting public does too. Academics admit that Critical Theory underpins movements such as feminist theory, critical race theory, queer theory, and postcolonial theory.

MLK’s Words and Misuse

Martin Luther King Jr. promoted non-violent protest against real violence. In 1965, he said, “In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.” He defined direct action as sit-ins, protests, and civil disobedience to bring tension to segregation laws.

He also warned that violent rhetoric from “black nationalist ideology” could spark actual violence if leaders refused to negotiate.

Later, activists reframed MLK’s “silence of our friends” as “silence is violence.” The Black Lives Matter movement popularized this version. Critics argue this distorted MLK’s intent.

In 1967, MLK explained riots as “the language of the unheard.” He called them self-defeating but insisted they must be understood. He pointed out that if one compared the violations of the white establishment with riots, the greater criminality lay with systemic injustice.

The Modern Kritik Twist

The kritik now argues that silence itself is violence. If you fail to show agreement, you are guilty of oppression and subject to retaliation. Any disagreement becomes an act of violence against an entire group. Debate, facts, and questions no longer matter. Shock value and emotion carry the day.

Some “critical theory” advocates even claimed Charlie Kirk committed violence by calling for open debate: “If you believe in something, you need to have the courage to fight for those ideas.”

Countering the Kritik

Charlie Kirk was often effective in dismantling these arguments, turning them back on their premises. His approach showed that kritik can be resisted by exposing its illogic.

Final Thought

There are times to speak and times to remain silent. But silence is not violence. It is not the same as physical harm or incitement. The kritik thrives on distortion. Don’t fall for the trap.

“I don’t think,” said Alice. “Then you shouldn’t talk,” said the Hatter.