A lot of replies here (obviously from people not already aware of The Discourse on this point) were genuinely confused variants on “But why, they’re right, that’s a valid concern.” Let me leave a short thread for future readers explaining why that stuff is always unwelcome on here. (1/n)
It’s totally understandable if you’re dooming about any facet of the American experiment right now. So your feelings are “valid” in the sense that they represent real anxiety, and I get that. But to vent that anxiety in other people’s spaces is wrong for three reasons.
First, it’s factually wrong. There will be elections in 2026 and 2028 under Trump, just like there were elections last year under Trump and during his first term. This despite one of the two major parties now harboring a lot of anti-democratic elements and ideas.
I’m not particularly interested in convincing anyone on this point and won’t try, the future is the future. But if the left side of the political spectrum is still the domain of scholarship and expertise, take note that you don’t find scholars and experts you worrying about canceled US elections.
Second, and probably most importantly, it’s tactically wrong. “No point discussing political opposition to fascism, there won’t be elections anyway” cedes victory to your enemies. It’s defeatism and nihilism.
Finally, it’s wrong AS A MATTER OF ETIQUETTE. Entering a total stranger’s discussion and leading with your private anxiety is as off-putting in social media replies as it would be in real life. If you wouldn’t interrupt a stranger at a party to announce that America is doomed, don’t do it here.
If you are anxious and sad about the state of the world, that’s fine, and there are plenty of strategies for dealing with that. But I think you already know that drive-by online dooming isn’t a strategy. It’s selfish and adolescent. It’s a contagion that only spreads the worst of you, not the best.
Take a second and think before posting the easy Eeyore reply. You might have something substantive to say instead. Or, even better, you can say nothing at all.
https://bsky.app/profile/kenjennings.bsky.social/post/3mbuedepurs2x
Ohmygawwwduh, can you just like stop talking about how you’re sad? Just stop whining and smile!
Every time I see you in a comment section you are the most based motherfucker and I just wanted you to know I appreciate seeing you on lemmy /gen
I see, you’re too brain damaged to read a reply and say something in response
I’m not sorry that people who are suffering aren’t pretending to have perfect lives for your precious comfort.
Don’t be. Instead you should be sorry that you’re continuously mis-representing what I’m saying with no effort to understand.
I hope every person you meet trauma-dumps on you constantly until you get your head out of your ass.
I hope one day you understand that people don’t go through suffering just to irritate you.
When have I said or implied that they do?
Entire thread so far.
Right, no surprise that you can’t point to anything specific.
You’ve somehow inferred something that I didn’t say and don’t believe.
Where is your threshhold, then? How far are the depressed people you totally don’t want to slap on a Stepford grin and enjoy life for you allowed to be unhappy before it bothers you?