Saturday, August 04, 2018

We Are Not The Same, But We Are Friends


I have some friends, or perhaps it would be better to call them associates, who are fascists. They love Trump and support his efforts to keep  America white and our economy unsustainable.
We argue on the internet, and this is unhelpful because the most important thing about a person with an authoritarian personality is that they can not admit error. To change their mind on any subject is just too hard for them; when you provide proof of any proposition they just change the subject.
This is, to some except, a common human failing but the defining characteristic of liberal/classical Enlightenment thinking is that when you learn new facts, you adapt your beliefs. It's ok to change. It's good to change!
Some friends and even family members have cut me off because we disagree. I never use personal abuse or potty language, but they just can't stand contradiction and they won't agree to simply not discuss politics. I've tried, and they can't help running off their conspiracy theories and getting angry when you don't agree. That they have chosen to cut off all contact - despite the many times I have been helpful to them - shows a defect of character, and is sad, but I can do nothing about it but wait.
Other friends are more mature. They are still fascists but they are willing to accept our differences and remain friends - especially if I can provide them with humor such as the image above.
This may be a luxury I can enjoy as a straight old white man - I am not the target of the fascist movement. I don't blame those who are the movement's targets for taking a different approach.

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