Urban is the Ultimate Liberal, whose values are self-actualization through the removal of constraints on freedom. He makes very good points within this paradigm, but there are huge omissions in his thought process.
Another word for "echo chamber" is "cohesive culture", which is itself a sine qua non of civil society. You need echo chambers, and you need public squares, and you need to not confuse them.
What is an example of a good echo chamber?
Your family (I hope). Calling your dad a racist will provoke the reaction Urban describes. Other examples include: your job, church, club, political party. All of these groups have an orthodoxy that defines them. If you were not an adherent, you wouldn't be there. As it happens, liberalism is one of these echo chambers. Just try defending Hitler and tell me how it goes.
The echo chambers at Abbey Road were decent, if little used now.
