Why is this incident proof of anything? This type of thing has been going on for all of the modern age.
Companies always try to steer clear of controversy and avoid doing things that jeopardize profits.
For example, in the 90s, Madonna released a controversial video for the song "Like A Prayer." A lot of radio stations banned it, religious groups protested, at one point Mtv would only play it after 9 pm, Pepsi backed out of a sponsorship deal with her. All because of a black jesus and burning crosses imagery. Or one of my favorite movies Spawn- Todd Mcfarlane has talked about how they had to change most of the supporting characters who were black in the comics to white in the film to get funding.
Those are just two examples that are not too modern but not too old. If you go back through history, there's all kinds of comparable shit, like the comic's code authority or the fact that married couples slept in separate beds in early sitcoms. Why is the fact that this company won't be reprinting this book so uniquely awful that it shook your belief in freedom of speech?
You made my point. It was never free. It's just magnified a million times more, because of the internet.
Instead of making flyers, putting out news paper articles, and using land line telephones, modern day snowflakes use social media, email, and riots to show anger and disagreement.
I've just watched both a popular movie and currently watching a hit tv show that use the "N" word. Wonder why they don't get canceled?
Is it because it's considered part of a director's vision?
Why hasn't American History X been erased yet?
They just use cancel culture, to pick and choose who they want to go after.