Yes, critical theory is a nice name for a very bad thing. H was reacting as such. The goal, if an idea can have a goal, is to destroy existing structures by turning the people within those structures against one another. This is bad and worth arguing against, but if that argument isn't with it, muting seems reasonable.
Discussion
But to me, she was just making an observation, if it is a standalone post, there was no goal. It was what she had witnessed with certain accounts coming on here to say i am here and then leave. So I am confused how that translated into critical theory. I think it escalated without having an actual discussion about the thought process behind it then went into defensive mode. But this subject is out of the realm of my own knowledge, so I can't say what is actually going on here, but from some outside of the intellectual bubble, it seemed only like an observation.
The observation was that the argumentation style was akin to critical theory. When confronted with this observation there was agreement which I think caused the escalation. I think clarifying sooner that this was internal reflection and not rightiousness would have helped to defray the blow up.
Two brilliant people who I learn a lot from. xo The key word is learn. We are not perfect, but we can do better next time.