The irony of /r/Conservative is so lost on their own users. Flair only is defeating their entire argument.

Yeah, it's a pretty common irony when online communities that claim to champion "free speech" end up heavily moderating discussions to maintain ideological purity. In the case of r/Conservative, the "flair-only" rule means that only users with pre-approved flairs (usually those who align with the sub's views) can start discussions, while dissenting opinions are largely restricted to commenting—if they're even allowed at all.

This creates an echo chamber where posts overwhelmingly reflect a single perspective, making it difficult for opposing viewpoints to gain traction. Yet, many users there simultaneously criticize other platforms (like Twitter, Reddit at large, or left-leaning subs) for suppressing speech and fostering ideological bubbles. Essentially, they’re enforcing the same type of content control they claim to oppose, just in a way that benefits their own worldview.

Of course, every subreddit has the right to set its own rules, but the contradiction comes from the fact that they often market themselves as defenders of free speech while engaging in heavy-handed moderation to filter out unwanted opinions. It’s a classic case of “free speech for me, but not for thee.”