Detailed Summary of "Parler Returns: Empower Your Voice Today!" | Ryan Rhodes DSH #805

Podcast: Digital Social Hour
Host: Sean Kelly
Guest: Ryan Rhodes, CEO of Parler
Release Date: October 15, 2024

Introduction

In the October 15, 2024 episode of Digital Social Hour, host Sean Kelly engages in a comprehensive discussion with Ryan Rhodes, the CEO of Parler. The episode, titled "Parler Returns: Empower Your Voice Today!", delves into the resurgence of Parler as a platform committed to free speech, the challenges posed by censorship on mainstream social media, and the broader societal implications of controlling digital dialogue.

1. Parler's Mission and Vision

Ryan Rhodes opens the conversation by articulating Parler's fundamental mission: to provide an uncensored platform where individuals can engage in open dialogue without the fear of being silenced or removed. He emphasizes the importance of fostering truthful conversations among users globally, free from governmental or institutional suppression.

"For Parler, our really, really focus is making sure that people can have that open dialogue, can talk and have that opportunity without being censored, without being taken offline... because we really want truth."
[00:00]

2. Recent Events and Community Engagement

Rhodes highlights Parler's active involvement in significant events, such as appearances on the Tucker show and hosting figures like Alex Jones and Roseanne Barr. These engagements have not only increased Parler's visibility but also reinforced its reputation as a hub for unfiltered discourse.

"There's been no lack of content and energy in the crowd... It was really, really fun. Just packed arena."
[01:38]

He mentions that out of 13 events organized, only three remain, indicating a substantial push to expand Parler's community presence.

3. Censorship on Mainstream Platforms

A substantial portion of the discussion centers on the pervasive censorship practices of major social media companies. Rhodes criticizes these platforms for demonetizing and removing content creators who pursue controversial or truth-seeking topics, thereby stifacing open dialogue.

"So for Parler, our really, really focus is making sure that people can have that open dialogue... because we really want truth."
[02:42]

He provides examples such as RFK's efforts to discuss vaccines during COVID-19 and how mainstream platforms suppressed these conversations, labeling them as misinformation.

4. Parler's Stand Against Shadow Banning

Rhodes addresses the tactics like shadow banning employed by other platforms, where users' content is subtly suppressed without their knowledge. He asserts that Parler rejects such practices, striving instead for transparency in content moderation.

"Yeah. So they, they, they hate that word because they're like, no, we don't shadow ban. It's very clear, it's very clear why."
[05:58]

He emphasizes Parler's commitment to allowing users to express themselves freely, fostering an environment where authentic conversations can thrive without hidden agendas.

5. Infrastructure and Independence

A critical aspect of Parler's resilience against censorship lies in its independent infrastructure. Rhodes explains that unlike other platforms reliant on services like AWS—which can de-platform them—Parler operates on its proprietary cloud system, ensuring sustained accessibility for its users.

"We're entirely new. The name may be, this may be the same, but we're a very new company and we're out there doing things differently in a way that we think is going to have a long term sustainability."
[18:35]

This strategic move safeguards Parler from external pressures that could compromise its mission of free speech.

6. Combating Government and Corporate Collusion

Rhodes argues that the alliance between big tech companies and government entities has led to biased content moderation, often aligning with governmental agendas. He contends that this collusion undermines democratic principles by controlling the narrative and influencing public opinion.

"They've been colluding with the government to do this. So for Parler, our really, really focus is making sure that people can have that open dialogue... because we really want truth."
[04:46]

He further elaborates on instances where political narratives were manipulated, such as the handling of the Hunter Biden laptop story, which he believes influenced voter behavior through misinformation.

7. Parler's Content Moderation Policy

While advocating for free speech, Rhodes clarifies that Parler does implement moderation to prevent harmful content. However, unlike other platforms, Parler does not engage in extensive fact-checking or censoring discussions unless they involve illegal activities like child trafficking.

"We are not going to have porn on our platform... Because that is a gateway to the child trafficking and do that."
[11:21]

This balanced approach aims to maintain a safe environment while preserving the integrity of free expression.

8. Supporting Diverse Political Voices

Rhodes emphasizes that Parler is an inclusive platform welcoming diverse political perspectives, primarily leaning towards the conservative spectrum but open to all viewpoints. He believes that fostering debates between differing opinions is essential for uncovering the truth.

"We invite everybody on our platform to go and share if they think it's mis, if the other side thinks it's misinformation, get out there and argue with the other person."
[25:17]

By encouraging respectful discourse, Parler aims to bridge political divides and promote mutual understanding.

9. Impact of Censorship on Society and Youth

A significant concern discussed is the impact of censorship on younger generations. Rhodes highlights how the suppression of information during events like the COVID-19 pandemic left individuals without outlets for genuine expression, leading to feelings of alienation and diminished critical thinking.

"If you're not... you have that robot that just gets fed that information, you're not going to think for yourself and you're going to be easy to control."
[27:46]

He advocates for platforms like Parler to provide the necessary tools for youth to engage in meaningful conversations and develop independent thought.

10. Economic Challenges for Farmers and Global Trade Issues

The conversation shifts to economic struggles faced by farmers, particularly in Iowa, due to international competition and unfair trade practices. Rhodes points out how reliance on foreign fertilizers and tariffs destabilize the agricultural sector, making it difficult for farmers to predict costs and sustain their livelihoods.

"This is something Trump really, really heavily went after in his administration... they were willing to take that, like short term kind of tightness to get over that hump."
[13:49]

He underscores the resilience of farmers and the importance of supporting local agriculture to maintain economic stability and food security.

11. Cultural and Social Issues

Rhodes touches upon the increasing polarization in society, fueled by misinformation and targeted censorship. He discusses how issues like gender ideology and racial tensions are being manipulated to create divisions, arguing that open dialogue is essential to dismantle these manufactured conflicts.

"They want to pit these people against each other so that you can control them as a government."
[31:02]

By providing a platform for unfiltered conversations, Parler seeks to counteract these divisive tactics and promote unity through understanding.

12. Global Perspective on Free Speech

Acknowledging that censorship is not confined to the United States, Rhodes emphasizes the global nature of the issue. He asserts that without international cooperation and platforms that respect free speech, the trend towards information suppression will continue unabated.

"It's a worldwide problem. It's not just the U.S. They're everywhere."
[21:31]

This global outlook reinforces Parler's commitment to being a bastion of free expression irrespective of geographical boundaries.

13. Future Prospects and Platform Enhancements

Looking ahead, Rhodes outlines Parler's plans to introduce more dynamic features such as enhanced video capabilities, short clips, and a marketplace facilitating direct consumer interactions. These developments aim to improve user experience and expand the platform's functionality.

"We're going to have more video and bursts and things like that, which are a lot, a lot."
[05:53]

He believes these innovations will attract more users and solidify Parler's position as a leading free speech platform.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a strong endorsement of Parler's mission to empower user voices and resist the tide of censorship sweeping through digital platforms. Ryan Rhodes invites listeners to join Parler, emphasizing the importance of collective action in preserving free speech and fostering an environment where truth can flourish.

"We just put that out and, and I really, really encourage you guys, everybody to get out there and see that, read it, get on there, more dialogue and go to Parler."
[35:22]

Sean Kelly and Ryan Rhodes leave listeners with a compelling message about the necessity of platforms like Parler in maintaining the foundational democratic principle of free expression, urging everyone to participate in the movement to reclaim their voices.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• "For Parler, our really, really focus is making sure that people can have that open dialogue, can talk and have that opportunity without being censored, without being taken offline... because we really want truth."
  [00:00]

• "Yeah. So they, they, they hate that word because they're like, no, we don't shadow ban. It's very clear, it's very clear why."
  [05:58]

• "We're entirely new. The name may be, this may be the same, but we're a very new company and we're out there doing things differently in a way that we think is going to have a long term sustainability."
  [18:35]

• "If you're not... you have that robot that just gets fed that information, you're not going to think for yourself and you're going to be easy to control."
  [27:46]

• "They want to pit these people against each other so that you can control them as a government."
  [31:02]

• "It's a worldwide problem. It's not just the U.S. They're everywhere."
  [21:31]

• "We're going to have more video and bursts and things like that, which are a lot, a lot."
  [05:53]

• "We just put that out and, and I really, really encourage you guys, everybody to get out there and see that, read it, get on there, more dialogue and go to Parler."
  [35:22]

Final Thoughts

The "Parler Returns: Empower Your Voice Today!" episode serves as both an exposé on the challenges of maintaining free speech in the digital era and a rallying cry for users to embrace platforms that prioritize open dialogue. Through Ryan Rhodes' insights, listeners gain a deeper understanding of Parler's strategic initiatives to combat censorship and promote truthful conversations, positioning the platform as a pivotal player in the ongoing battle for unrestricted digital communication.