There are insights I’ve learned through my life as a Buddhist and neurodivergent person I’d like to share on platforms, and occasionally, some contemporary topics I’d like to weigh in on for the same reason. I’ve also been encouraged by different people in the space based on what I’ve shared.
Politically I’m a Centrist, with most of my opinions being politically correct; Anti-Trump, Pro-choice and pro women’s issues in general, No problems with how people live their lives sexually or otherwise in terms of LGBTQ. I’ll vote left cause there’s no alternative, but dream of a non-two party system.
But I honestly don’t feel like sticking my neck out in the current culture. It doesn’t feel to me as if the “bad people are being cancelled”, while that does happen, it feels more to me that we’re “waiting for someone to trip up”.
And once you’re out, you’re out. There seems to be no space for people making mistakes, learning, and growing. It’s like we’re all meant to be perfect and there’s no learning curve whatsoever.
And occasionally I like to question topics or nuance views, and that just gets hit with these extremely tribalistic opinions where I’m either “with us or the fascists”, which just doesn’t reflect where I’m coming from at all.
As an example, sometimes as a neurodivergent you really can get far by developing strategies around your weaknesses, but I see people getting torched for “victim blaming” and all kinds of really strong reactions, based on them just trying to help, not at all trying to minimalize anyone’s experience as far as I can see.
So honestly I’m just staying out. Everything I’ve learned in my life has been through trial and error, being wrong and then getting wiser, and I just don’t feel safe in this culture. I feel like everyone’s waiting for you to trip up, and if I was to make a mistake, or have a bad opinion, there’s no chance to grow, it’s just instant banishment and goodbye.
Anyone else feel like this?
Edit: Upon reflection, it feels like we live in a “Suspicion Culture”.
Being a “centrist” isn’t a principled political position, it’s triangulation. As fascism continues to gain purchase and move the Overton window rightward within the imperial core, the “center” lurches rightward along with it.
Centrism is a right-wing position. There is a bright line between the left and the right: who should own the means of production, the working class or the capitalist class?
Yuuup. Progressives say they need to target centrists and independents… anyone undecided who could vote right wing for all intents and purposes is right wing.
This feels exactly like the kind of “You’re either with us or the fascists” rhetoric I talked about.
That’s because there isn’t a secret third option between fascism and antifascism. You actually do have to pick a side, and the history of the last century shows which side “centrists” virtually always pick.
I don’t know what to say to this, it’s like talking to a religious fanatic.
Like a religious inquisitor or something. Like you can’t see the human anymore.
Don’t want to take sides? Crying about cancel culture?
Is that you Ed Sheeran?deleted by creator
Because they’re right. And now we all know which side you choose.
There aren’t any sides man, there are just humans like you
Yes there’s fascists and then there’s people opposed to fascists. And anyone willing to support Fascism is not a human anything like me.
True, once life is black and white real humans can’t really relate anymore
If your views on fascism aren’t black and white you’re a fucking fascist. You just maybe don’t know it yet.
The Internet, and social media in particular, allows and encourages aspects of human psychology that a better world would discourage. Be prepared.
Appreciate it
Being “canceled” often seems to benefit someone in the long run, if they can keep it together and not respond by making grievance their entire online identity. In a sense it’s just attention and an opportunity for greater exposure.
Either way, you’re going to die someday. If there’s something you would like to do before that, you shouldn’t let fear of disapproval stop you.
But most people just break, don’t they? few become diamonds
But I agree in principle
can you give an example of anything you’re claiming here?
I’m not claiming anything here, but stating how I feel and asking if others have felt the same, and the comments say yes
Neurodivergent people have always been subject to misunderstanding and preemptory judgement—maybe “cancel culture” is the current framework within which that issue appears to manifest itself, but it’s not the cause.
I mean that’s for sure, but it seems bigger than that and neurotypicals are being targeted as well.
The two US parties and their zealots have spent almost 48 years driving this division deep. They have abused the most effective strategies so much that their adherents don’t even know when they use them themselves. One of these strategies that saddens me the most is their perversion of language. They so rapidly turn useful words known for specific meanings into a derogatory term or manipulate the language around it in a way to paint an image of a concept so ugly that the mere mention can provoke immediate outrage. I will say that Republicans are the reason why language has been so twisted. Democrats have ignored it and moved on for too long, letting them get away with it. This division in language is not new, but what is new is how fast it happens and how it extends to pretty much the entire language. This is why everything is now so centered on emotion. The zealots can say literally anything, as long as it is expressed with exaggeration or authority they can raise a mob. Adherents have been convinced they are victims of persecution from the other tribe, fueling their devotion and outrage.
What I am saying is you should do it. Just be prepared for the attacks. Know the attacks are not personal. They will try to break you. Don’t let them. You don’t even have to rebut and probably should avoid it as it only fuels their emotions that they rely on. The best defense is to be an open book while presenting confidence and speaking with conviction. The hard part is converting enough of the voters who only hear emotion, so when you speak your conviction must carry gravitas. Also, it should be made clear the first time a tactic is used that you are not okay with their abusing the conversation. Not being dismissive as they are. Not letting them get away with it. Just making it clear that you are too mature for their bullshit. Tell them you are taking it seriously, even as they play their game.
I would do it, but I am not good at selling my convictions in speech. I get ignored easily by obtrusive zealots. People listen to me and give me authority, but only when they aren’t trying to be superior. I hope you have this skill or the time to master it.
This is exactly the impression I have as well.
Appreciate it man
