I know many from various Middle Eastern countries who share a similar viewpoint.
As an Arab myself, I see it as nothing more than a defeatist attitude that is typically held by those who have enough money and connections (typically upper class).
Safety and democracy can coexist and are not mutually exclusive as you claim. The safest countries in the world are democracies last I checked.
Democracy is not only about “abstract notions of liberty”, but also (and more importantly) about justice and equality for all. When these “lesser-educated” people are held in prison without trial for watching the wrong Youtube video or practicing the wrong religion, they also realize this fact.
As an Arab myself, I see it as nothing more than a defeatist attitude that is typically held by those who have enough money and connections (typically upper class).
Safety and democracy can coexist and are not mutually exclusive as you claim. The safest countries in the world are democracies last I checked.
Democracy is not only about “abstract notions of liberty”, but also (and more importantly) about justice and equality for all. When these “lesser-educated” people are held in prison without trial for watching the wrong Youtube video or practicing the wrong religion, they also realize this fact.