Sensitivity and younger generations

[Twilight Hue]

Are those of younger generations too sensitive? Why or why not? Tagging as promised @Saint Frankenstein and @Israel Khan
By younger generations I mean born after 1997...yes I know that would include me. I meant younger as in compared to older generations not compared to my age.

Younger generations are always the product of older generations. So are they too sensitive?

Yes I think so, but I don't entirely blame the younger generation for that.

 

[Stevicus]

Huh. Most of my family would be left leaning in an American context. My uncle is basically a “commie” lol
Though I also have some very traditionalist uncles too
But America seems more right in general, to my eyes anyway.

That could be, at least in recent times. I'm not too familiar with Australian politics, although I've heard that they have some far-right there, too. My impression is that the Anglosphere countries ran a somewhat parallel course, at least up until the 1980s, when Reagan and his minions pushed America back to the right again.

Ehh, I’ve watched some of their content (through a filter of watching them “cope” to be fair) I will respectfully disagree. They don’t seem to care about policy, they’re not even traditionalists really. All they want is to “own/trigger the libs.” And they slavishly devote their entire personality around Trump. It’s a cult of personality. The Qanon folks are another breed entirely though
And the Alt right are basically just flavours of neo Nazi/fascist. I know for a fact they’re not new.

Well, that could be what it looks like on the surface, but it still has its origins in earlier political traditions.

And you're right in that they're not new, but the political ideals they're rooted in predate the Nazis by more than a century. The difference between Andrew Jackson and Hitler.

Of course, Hitler himself drew upon German leaders from previous eras, such as Frederick the Great. Maybe it's just historical quibbling on my part, but I always thought it was factually erroneous to compare Trump to Hitler, especially when there's so many American historical leaders one could have drawn upon for comparison.

My guess is that the motive to harp upon comparisons with Hitler was to avoid having to face certain historical facts about America that many people didn't want brought up. It's always been easier and more politically expedient to blame it on the boogieman across the sea, rather than face the truth about ourselves and our own country.

Fair enough. I just watched Shaun dissect the 1776 report. It’s kind of weird that a Brit seems to inform me of American politics. But you guys do seem to make it a spectacle, no offence.

Who is Shaun, and what was the report he dissected?

I suppose you're right in that our politics can be quite a spectacle. Most of it seems to be more melodrama than anything else, with more attention on gossip and rumors, rather than actual political issues.

Frankly, that's the main reason how groups like Q-Anon and other conspiracy theorists can gain a following. The people can see that the politicians and pundits are spewing out nothing but BS, innuendo, gossip, and very little actual information or any real focus on issues which affect America. It's obvious that they're very controlled and confined as to what they're willing to talk about openly. That leaves them wide open to attacks from conspiracy theorists and the alternative media (from both sides of the spectrum).

Huh interesting. I remember having to watch American Graffiti for English class once. I saw some reruns of Happy Days as a kid.

You watched American Graffiti for English class? That must have been quite a class. Was it to learn American dialect?

 

[Stevicus]

I still remember computers being uncommon, something wealthier people had, amd it being something special when there was a chance to use one (I also started learning how to type on a typewriter).

I had a cousin who had a computer and a modem, but no monitor - just a printer. This was back in the 70s. I also remember the TRS-80 when it came out, and I had a friend who had an Atari. There was no disc drive on those machines; if you wanted to use a program or play a game, you had to load it by playing a cassette tape in a tape recorder. Floppy discs made that process a lot easier, although hard drives were far better once they came on the scene.

Typewriters were still preferred by many people, and I also learned to type on a typewriter. One problem with printers back in those days was that it wouldn't print out a document the way it looked on the screen. "WYSIWYG" was a thing at some point, but many of the earlier printers were just not good enough if you wanted something to be typed and look relatively decent.

And I remember thinking smart phones wouldn't take off because it's phone with a dumb and weak computer. Amd that my first roommates and I would split a landline bill. Then we learned it would be cheaper for us to get our first cell phones.
I remembered dot matrix printers, and was totally amazed when I learned of 3D printing in college. Fax machines and mail to email. Amd we don't have to worry about long distance or roaming fees or anytime weekend/evening cell phone minutes.

I don't think I got a cellphone until the late 1990s. And the only reason I got it at the time is because I still had dial-up and wanted to be able to make calls while I was online. It was also easier for people to call me while I was online. Then at some point, I got a cable modem and cancelled my landline altogether.

 

[Shadow Wolf]

I had a cousin who had a computer and a modem, but no monitor - just a printer. This was back in the 70s. I also remember the TRS-80 when it came out, and I had a friend who had an Atari. There was no disc drive on those machines; if you wanted to use a program or play a game, you had to load it by playing a cassette tape in a tape recorder. Floppy discs made that process a lot easier, although hard drives were far better once they came on the scene.

Been a long time since I've seen a computer cassette. Probably not too much longer than the last time I used a real floppy disk.
I always wondered why the name floppy disk was carried over to the hard diskettes (we were still using those when I was in highschool).

I don't think I got a cellphone until the late 1990s. And the only reason I got it at the time is because I still had dial-up and wanted to be able to make calls while I was online.

That was the best part of dialup. It was the next best thing to leaving the phone off the hook for when you did not want the outside world to disturb you, lmao.

 

[SomeRandom]

That could be, at least in recent times. I'm not too familiar with Australian politics, although I've heard that they have some far-right there, too. My impression is that the Anglosphere countries ran a somewhat parallel course, at least up until the 1980s, when Reagan and his minions pushed America back to the right again.

We have some far right figures and Nazis of our own, unfortunately.
But we are somewhat more milquetoast compared to Americans. Case in point the vote on Same Sex Marriage a few years back. The left party (or at least the centre left) party was just weak sauce. But eh, what you gonna do?

Well, that could be what it looks like on the surface, but it still has its origins in earlier political traditions.

True. What’s that about history repeating itself?

And you're right in that they're not new, but the political ideals they're rooted in predate the Nazis by more than a century. The difference between Andrew Jackson and Hitler.

So it’s just cyclic history then?

Of course, Hitler himself drew upon German leaders from previous eras, such as Frederick the Great. Maybe it's just historical quibbling on my part, but I always thought it was factually erroneous to compare Trump to Hitler, especially when there's so many American historical leaders one could have drawn upon for comparison.

True. For what it’s worth I think a lot of the comparisons were more to mock Trump’s ineffectiveness and his real lack of political skill compared to Hitler. Which is an odd burn now that I think of it. But I suppose it was like a derisive, “look at this clown. Not even fit to wear Hitler’s boots.”
At least that’s the impression I get from it. It could have also been people were a bit concerned with far right politics rising in a world superpower. I dunno.

My guess is that the motive to harp upon comparisons with Hitler was to avoid having to face certain historical facts about America that many people didn't want brought up. It's always been easier and more politically expedient to blame it on the boogieman across the sea, rather than face the truth about ourselves and our own country.

That is true. Didn’t Marvel get into trouble for publishing Captain America with Cap punching Hitler in the face? So in response they redid the issue with Cap punching him harder. That’s the story anyway. If it caused controversy, then how many people sided with Hitler back then, I wonder.

Who is Shaun, and what was the report he dissected?

Oh sorry, Shaun is a prominent member of the so called “BreadTube” community. Basically a loose collection of leftists online
He was responding to this
1776 Commission - Wikipedia
Which does look a bit iffy to me. But as I’m not American, I don’t know.

I suppose you're right in that our politics can be quite a spectacle. Most of it seems to be more melodrama than anything else, with more attention on gossip and rumors, rather than actual political issues.

If it makes you feel any better, our parliament is more or less the same lol

Frankly, that's the main reason how groups like Q-Anon and other conspiracy theorists can gain a following. The people can see that the politicians and pundits are spewing out nothing but BS, innuendo, gossip, and very little actual information or any real focus on issues which affect America. It's obvious that they're very controlled and confined as to what they're willing to talk about openly. That leaves them wide open to attacks from conspiracy theorists and the alternative media (from both sides of the spectrum).

Conspiracy theories fascinate me. Not because I buy any of them. But they’re certainly “creative.” The “Qult” adherents kind of scares me a little though. They’re just so all in. And more fervent than others seemingly.

You watched American Graffiti for English class? That must have been quite a class. Was it to learn American dialect?

No it was actually to dissect the themes. I vaguely remember nostalgia being discussed as a concept during class. But it was pretty early high school, so my memory is not the best lol

 

[Shadow Wolf]

True. For what it’s worth I think a lot of the comparisons were more to mock Trump’s ineffectiveness and his real lack of political skill compared to Hitler. Which is an odd burn now that I think of it. But I suppose it was like a derisive, “look at this clown. Not even fit to wear Hitler’s boots.”
At least that’s the impression I get from it. It could have also been people were a bit concerned with far right politics rising in a world superpower. I dunno.

Many unfortunately did think Trump was the next Hitler. Not to mock him, but such a fear of him that some (including here) wouldn't even say his name. But he's not Beetlejuice. He just gave many, many indications he doesn't have the urge, will, or desire to be a dictator. All he wants is attention. He doesn't care how he gets it. And we witnessed first hand his fanatic fans actually are willing to do what it takes.

 

[SomeRandom]

Many unfortunately did think Trump was the next Hitler. Not to mock him, but such a fear of him that some (including here) wouldn't even say his name. But he's not Beetlejuice. He just gave many, many indications he doesn't have the urge, will, or desire to be a dictator. All he wants is attention. He doesn't care how he gets it. And we witnessed first hand his fanatic fans actually are willing to do what it takes.

Really? I mean I “fear” his very hardcore supporters more than him. He always came across as an idiot to me. (Not that I begrudge anyone who voted for him. I’m sure most of our politicians look like buffoons to you guys.)
But I guess that’s easy for me to say when he’s not the leader of my country. Still made everyone kind of side eye America more than usual.

Though I guess everyone was more or less baffled at the adoration Hitler was getting pre WWII. At least he was a good orator. So I guess I sort of understand his rise to power. Well I think.

Why is it that Trump discussions force me to compare him not very favourably to that evil little man?

 

[Stevicus]

We have some far right figures and Nazis of our own, unfortunately.
But we are somewhat more milquetoast compared to Americans. Case in point the vote on Same Sex Marriage a few years back. The left party (or at least the centre left) party was just weak sauce. But eh, what you gonna do?

As I recall, different states had their own approach to the issue of Same Sex Marriage. Eventually, the Supreme Court ruled on it, but that's how a lot of things go in America. That's why Americans don't really see us as being "right" or "left," as they look more at the "red states" vs. the "blue states." But they sometimes seem to overlook the "purple states."

True. What’s that about history repeating itself?

Yep. Those who can't remember history are doomed to forget it.

But I don't think it's just a matter of remembering history, since the same history can be reinterpreted or revised in any number of ways.

So it’s just cyclic history then?

Perhaps, or maybe it's just an ongoing philosophical dispute.

True. For what it’s worth I think a lot of the comparisons were more to mock Trump’s ineffectiveness and his real lack of political skill compared to Hitler. Which is an odd burn now that I think of it. But I suppose it was like a derisive, “look at this clown. Not even fit to wear Hitler’s boots.”
At least that’s the impression I get from it. It could have also been people were a bit concerned with far right politics rising in a world superpower. I dunno.

It may have been that. I think some people might be goaded into moving further to the right. I've noticed that if something on the media or elsewhere scares the squares, it pushes them further right. The War on Drugs is a classic example, with even the media, Hollywood, and Democrats supporting it.

That is true. Didn’t Marvel get into trouble for publishing Captain America with Cap punching Hitler in the face? So in response they redid the issue with Cap punching him harder. That’s the story anyway. If it caused controversy, then how many people sided with Hitler back then, I wonder.

I don't know. I never heard that about Marvel or Captain America. However, there were cartoons with anti-Nazi propaganda from that era. There were also anti-Japanese cartoons which were later deemed racially offensive. I don't know how many Americans sided with Hitler, although there were some. But I doubt there was that much controversy whenever they would play "In Der Fuhrer's Face" on the radio.

(I recall reading about an American airfield in Greenland during the war - mainly used as a refueling point for trans-Atlantic aircraft. They didn't have much entertainment. All they had was a record player and one record, "In Der Fuhrer's Face," which they played over and over and over again.)

Oh sorry, Shaun is a prominent member of the so called “BreadTube” community. Basically a loose collection of leftists online
He was responding to this
1776 Commission - Wikipedia
Which does look a bit iffy to me. But as I’m not American, I don’t know.

Oh, okay, I do recall Trump wanting to revamp American historical education to make it more patriotic. I just wasn't aware that it was called the 1776 Commission. That, too, is nothing really new.

This is a version of US history that I was first introduced to as a kid. I think it encapsulates how many Americans see America.

If it makes you feel any better, our parliament is more or less the same lol

Conspiracy theories fascinate me. Not because I buy any of them. But they’re certainly “creative.” The “Qult” adherents kind of scares me a little though. They’re just so all in. And more fervent than others seemingly.

I find some conspiracy theories interesting, although one thing they tend to do is point out the holes in the "official version" of events told by governments. I'm not speaking of Q-Anon specifically, but of conspiracy theories in general. I also study the sharp reactions to conspiracy theories, which can sometimes be just as emotional and angry as the conspiracy theorists. But the funny thing is, the only kinds of conspiracy theories which people get upset about are when they involve the US government. Any conspiracy theory about North Korea's government or the Russian government would probably be believed without much scrutiny or skepticism.

No it was actually to dissect the themes. I vaguely remember nostalgia being discussed as a concept during class. But it was pretty early high school, so my memory is not the best lol

I guess it had some interesting themes to it. I never really looked at it that way, although I found it interesting that it was released in the 70s to depict a time before many of the landmark events of the decade. George Lucas made a movie about his own life as a teen in Modesto, California.

 

[Samael_Khan]

Do you honestly, genuinely believe that what was wrong about Stalinism was that it was founded on an excessive enforcement of anti-discrimination legislation?I have strong doubts, but I want to confirm that we're actually on the same page here.

Of course not. What was wrong with Stalinism was that he was a totalitarian and horrible person. Progressive thought is actually what gets us to move forward in a society,

Just to put this argument back on track, your original argument was that too much progressivism would result in a society similar to Stalin's Soviet Union, correct?

Only in the sense of enforcing their ideas the wrong way. I am not implying that progressives are like Stalin because he was something else. But in Stalin's Russia there was gender equality yet that just meant that he could treat everybody equally as horrible. A progressive thought enforced in the wrong way. So it could be possible that some over eager progressives with good intentions, might end up militant and using force and oppression of freedom to get everybody to fall in line. I am not saying that this is all progressives at all, just that the possibility might exist and the role of the conservatives is to create debate about the issues and prevent everything from being an eco chamber.

 

[SomeRandom]

As I recall, different states had their own approach to the issue of Same Sex Marriage. Eventually, the Supreme Court ruled on it, but that's how a lot of things go in America. That's why Americans don't really see us as being "right" or "left," as they look more at the "red states" vs. the "blue states." But they sometimes seem to overlook the "purple states."

Wow, purple states? Is that like a mix or cons and dems?
Ahh yeah I don’t get just how disjointed you guys seem to be. Especially since you’re called the United States lol
I mean there are varying state laws here too. But most of the big “important” stuff is still on a federal level.

Yep. Those who can't remember history are doomed to forget it.

So everyone keeps telling us younguns lol

But I don't think it's just a matter of remembering history, since the same history can be reinterpreted or revised in any number of ways.

That is very true. The Victor is the one who writes history or whatever. I remember even in high school they were (trying to) teach us to be skeptical of history sources. Primary and secondary were always mandatory in assignments. I think we always needed at least 3 or 4. More as we got into the older grades

Perhaps, or maybe it's just an ongoing philosophical dispute.

Maybe

It may have been that. I think some people might be goaded into moving further to the right. I've noticed that if something on the media or elsewhere scares the squares, it pushes them further right. The War on Drugs is a classic example, with even the media, Hollywood, and Democrats supporting it.

There was talk of this. I watched the rise of the “Alt Right” with my eyebrows raised.
I thought everyone hated the War on Drugs?
I swear I’ve grown up on American made media lamenting it’s abject failure. The Wire for instance.

I don't know. I never heard that about Marvel or Captain America. However, there were cartoons with anti-Nazi propaganda from that era. There were also anti-Japanese cartoons which were later deemed racially offensive. I don't know how many Americans sided with Hitler, although there were some. But I doubt there was that much controversy whenever they would play "In Der Fuhrer's Face" on the radio.

There were apparently Hitler sympathisers in many Western countries, according to my history teachers. Particularly in America, or so they claim. At least there were until the magnitude of his actions actually got back to everyone. I always assumed that was because anti semitism wasn’t that unpopular in the 30s. But I dunno.
I remember briefly having to watch some of the wartime propaganda for history class. It was like “this is what propaganda looks like, kids. What’s it’s message and how effective is it?”

(I recall reading about an American airfield in Greenland during the war - mainly used as a refueling point for trans-Atlantic aircraft. They didn't have much entertainment. All they had was a record player and one record, "In Der Fuhrer's Face," which they played over and over and over again.)

Ha, that’s funny

Oh, okay, I do recall Trump wanting to revamp American historical education to make it more patriotic. I just wasn't aware that it was called the 1776 Commission. That, too, is nothing really new.

Hmm, sad

This is a version of US history that I was first introduced to as a kid. I think it encapsulates how many Americans see America.

Oh yea, I’ve heard about the hyperbolic and exceptionalism on the American history education. You guys take jingoism to a whole new level lol
I mean we could stand to be more objective and critical in our history education too. But the way I hear it, you guys need a complete overhaul.

I find some conspiracy theories interesting, although one thing they tend to do is point out the holes in the "official version" of events told by governments. I'm not speaking of Q-Anon specifically, but of conspiracy theories in general. I also study the sharp reactions to conspiracy theories, which can sometimes be just as emotional and angry as the conspiracy theorists. But the funny thing is, the only kinds of conspiracy theories which people get upset about are when they involve the US government. Any conspiracy theory about North Korea's government or the Russian government would probably be believed without much scrutiny or skepticism.

Huh I never really realised that before lol
Wow even the conspiracy theories are US centred

I guess it had some interesting themes to it. I never really looked at it that way, although I found it interesting that it was released in the 70s to depict a time before many of the landmark events of the decade. George Lucas made a movie about his own life as a teen in Modesto, California.

Interesting.
Examining themes in movies was common for my English class. Maybe to compensate for a lack of media studies in my high school.

 

[lewisnotmiller]

Are those of younger generations too sensitive? Why or why not? Tagging as promised @Saint Frankenstein and @Israel Khan
By younger generations I mean born after 1997...yes I know that would include me. I meant younger as in compared to older generations not compared to my age.

Obviously we're talking major over-generalizations here.
I don't find the younger generation any more sensitive. I do find that what they're sensitive about can be quite different, and I think that can lead to misunderstandings between generations, with them focusing on 'unimportant' things other generations are snowflakes about.

If I'm going to be critical of the younger generation in a simplistic fashion, it would be more around how long 'sticking at something' is generally accepted. There's an immediacy of expectation which can appear a little self-indulgent to my older eyes.

Much as I suspect older gens would have said about my gen, incidentally.

 

[lewisnotmiller]

@SomeRandom
@Stevicus

Thought you might find this photo interesting.

 

[Kooky]

Transgender rights gained under Obama were rescinded by Trump. We have our full rights granted at the federal level in many countries. People being able to learn and teach at our universities was hindered. Making it a policy to cage children. And they hold people accountable for their words in other countries. That one would really get Trump in trouble.

Well, there are a lot of European countries that were never particularly big on transgender rights, or have further restricted what little rights transgender people used to have. In Hungary, for example, a transgender person is legally required to publically identify as their birth gender.

As for putting children in cages, the conditions in many refugee camps were appalling in 2015, and to a significant extent still are - refugees in Lesbos, for example, fled from their camps because conditions became untenable under the conservative Greek government, but of course they were not allowed to leave the island.

 

[Stevicus]

Wow, purple states? Is that like a mix or cons and dems?

Yes, a mix of Republicans and Democrats so as to create a balance, or at least the appearance of such. Here in Arizona, our two senators are Democrats, while our governor and a majority of the state legislature are Republican.

Ahh yeah I don’t get just how disjointed you guys seem to be. Especially since you’re called the United States lol
I mean there are varying state laws here too. But most of the big “important” stuff is still on a federal level.

I've noticed a lot of regionalism, particularly between "coastals" and their contemptuous attitudes towards those who live in "flyover country."

So everyone keeps telling us younguns lol

That is very true. The Victor is the one who writes history or whatever. I remember even in high school they were (trying to) teach us to be skeptical of history sources. Primary and secondary were always mandatory in assignments. I think we always needed at least 3 or 4. More as we got into the older grades

I think history can often be written in ways similar to any article on current events. It can be slanted, just like anything else.

Maybe


There was talk of this. I watched the rise of the “Alt Right” with my eyebrows raised.
I thought everyone hated the War on Drugs?
I swear I’ve grown up on American made media lamenting it’s abject failure. The Wire for instance.

I never saw The Wire, so I wouldn't know about that. But obviously, some people must like the War on Drugs, otherwise we wouldn't have it. Some people look at it more cynically, considering that the War on Drugs is just a put-on to make more money for the cartels and the bankers who launder their money. Others have suggested that the War on Drugs is merely veiled racism.

But most people seem keenly aware of the fact that it has been an abject failure, yet so many politicians and other influential parties think that we need to keep on with the War on Drugs. They're against legalization of marijuana. They're against decriminalization. They're against treating it as a medical issue instead of a criminal issue. Even the media seem wishy-washy about it all, which in itself is quite suspicious.

This is but a single example of the kind of BS that Americans have been subjected to for decades. I don't think it necessarily pushes people politically (either to the far-right or far-left), but it's the first step in creating a sense of cynicism, apathy, and malaise - which some political factions might view as an opportunity.

There were apparently Hitler sympathisers in many Western countries, according to my history teachers. Particularly in America, or so they claim. At least there were until the magnitude of his actions actually got back to everyone. I always assumed that was because anti semitism wasn’t that unpopular in the 30s. But I dunno.

Well, yes, they definitely existed, although their numbers were few and they didn't really have that much support. I've also read that even the Nazis in Germany didn't think American Nazis were particularly reliable or competent. I can't say that anti-Semitism was ever really that popular or unpopular in the 30s. It existed, but not in the same way it existed in Germany or other countries.

I remember briefly having to watch some of the wartime propaganda for history class. It was like “this is what propaganda looks like, kids. What’s it’s message and how effective is it?”

When I was taking Russian studies, we did study some Soviet propaganda and its techniques. One of the key aspects seem to lie in the fact that propaganda produces its own echo chambers, particularly if no opposing views are allowed.

 

[SomeRandom]

Yes, a mix of Republicans and Democrats so as to create a balance, or at least the appearance of such. Here in Arizona, our two senators are Democrats, while our governor and a majority of the state legislature are Republican.

Huh interesting

I've noticed a lot of regionalism, particularly between "coastals" and their contemptuous attitudes towards those who live in "flyover country."

I’m not too sure what that means exactly. Sorry. Does that mean that people are more likely to support their hometown or something?

I think history can often be written in ways similar to any article on current events. It can be slanted, just like anything else.

Oh of course. Isn’t that why historians often lament about their “limited” resources all the time?

I never saw The Wire, so I wouldn't know about that. But obviously, some people must like the War on Drugs, otherwise we wouldn't have it. Some people look at it more cynically, considering that the War on Drugs is just a put-on to make more money for the cartels and the bankers who launder their money. Others have suggested that the War on Drugs is merely veiled racism.

The wire is such a good show. It showed the institutional corruption of various failings of the city of Baltimore and how the drug trade affected people of various ages and in various states or income. Truly a show to sink your teeth into. Highly recommend

But most people seem keenly aware of the fact that it has been an abject failure, yet so many politicians and other influential parties think that we need to keep on with the War on Drugs. They're against legalization of marijuana. They're against decriminalization. They're against treating it as a medical issue instead of a criminal issue. Even the media seem wishy-washy about it all, which in itself is quite suspicious.

Huh, I guess. I’m for legalisation precisely because media has conditioned me to hate the war on drugs.
Maybe that speaks to my own personal echo chambers

This is but a single example of the kind of BS that Americans have been subjected to for decades. I don't think it necessarily pushes people politically (either to the far-right or far-left), but it's the first step in creating a sense of cynicism, apathy, and malaise - which some political factions might view as an opportunity.

Damn. That sounds....morose.

Well, yes, they definitely existed, although their numbers were few and they didn't really have that much support. I've also read that even the Nazis in Germany didn't think American Nazis were particularly reliable or competent. I can't say that anti-Semitism was ever really that popular or unpopular in the 30s. It existed, but not in the same way it existed in Germany or other countries.

Why does that not surprise me??

When I was taking Russian studies, we did study some Soviet propaganda and its techniques. One of the key aspects seem to lie in the fact that propaganda produces its own echo chambers, particularly if no opposing views are allowed.

True

 

[Shadow Wolf]

Well, there are a lot of European countries that were never particularly big on transgender rights, or have further restricted what little rights transgender people used to have. In Hungary, for example, a transgender person is legally required to publically identify as their birth gender.

As for putting children in cages, the conditions in many refugee camps were appalling in 2015, and to a significant extent still are - refugees in Lesbos, for example, fled from their camps because conditions became untenable under the conservative Greek government, but of course they were not allowed to leave the island.

A far right nuthouse and a state in shambles is the best you have to suggest Trump's bigotry would be acceptable throughout the West? It was unacceptable enough here that he was twice rejected by the People.

 

[Kooky]

A far right nuthouse and a state in shambles is the best you have to suggest Trump's bigotry would be acceptable throughout the West? It was unacceptable enough here that he was twice rejected by the People.

I wouldn't use the conditional tense. Bigotry like Trump's is acceptable throughout Europe, and in many countries it is factually accepted as well.
In fact, the entire playbook of Trump's campaign are arguably ripped entirely from tactics common to European style xenophobic populism.

 

[Earthtank]

Are those of younger generations too sensitive? Why or why not? Tagging as promised @Saint Frankenstein and @Israel Khan
By younger generations I mean born after 1997...yes I know that would include me. I meant younger as in compared to older generations not compared to my age.

Yes, today's kids are way too soft

 

[Shadow Wolf]

I wouldn't use the conditional tense. Bigotry like Trump's is acceptable throughout Europe, and in many countries it is factually accepted as well.
In fact, the entire playbook of Trump's campaign are arguably ripped entirely from tactics common to European style xenophobic populism.

Those people displaying Nazi symbols and flags at Trump's rally? That's illegal in Germany. Ireland is breaking away from the Vatican and is getting ahead of America in LGBT rights. In at least a few Western nations hate speech is not legal, and people are held legally accountable for their words. Hatred and bigotry are everywhere. This is undeniable. But when America has having riots amd marches for civil rights and equality for black people, England was wondering what was taking America so long. And, yes, we must also remember the state is not necessarily congruent with social values, and Sweden has excellent transgender rights from the state, but also a high suicide rate due to societal scorn (Evangelicals will often confuse the two to make a point that being trans is ultimately a path to suicide).
About the only universal mistreatment you can pin on Western states (and many Eastern as well) is horrendous mistreatment of the Natives. Even New Zealand, a nation praised for progressive values and policy, still today has a rocky and discriminatory relationship with the native Maori.

 

[Stevicus]

Huh interesting


I’m not too sure what that means exactly. Sorry. Does that mean that people are more likely to support their hometown or something?

Not really. It's more a regional thing. Liberals tend to live on the coasts, while conservatives tend to be in the south and midwest. It's often derisively referred to as "flyover country" because liberals ostensibly hate Middle America and would rather fly over it than drive through it.

That's one of the biggest changes I've noticed about liberals over the course of my lifetime. They used to be sympathetic to the lower classes, but at some point, they started expressing nothing but scorn and derision. They're so quick to derogate people for being "hillbillies," "trailer trash," "rednecks," and/or "living in their mother's basement." Liberal identity politics has become so utterly classist, it isn't funny. I would bet that half the people who voted for Trump wouldn't have done so if liberals had shown more empathy to the working classes.

Oh of course. Isn’t that why historians often lament about their “limited” resources all the time?

Limited resources?

The wire is such a good show. It showed the institutional corruption of various failings of the city of Baltimore and how the drug trade affected people of various ages and in various states or income. Truly a show to sink your teeth into. Highly recommend

I might give it a look.

Huh, I guess. I’m for legalisation precisely because media has conditioned me to hate the war on drugs.
Maybe that speaks to my own personal echo chambers

Possibly, although I haven't had much exposure to Australian media to make any comparisons. My observation has been that the American media have put forth a lot of anti-drug propaganda supporting the War on Drugs, without any equal time given to the other side. There was an organization called the Partnership for a Drug-Free America which put out some of the most brazenly ridiculous propaganda one could imagine.

Damn. That sounds....morose.

I would call it the Reefer Madness Effect. Sometimes, propaganda can become so comically ridiculous that it has the opposite effect than what was intended.