[throwanem]

> it's completely appropriate to call them that, and worse

Leaving aside all the arguments over whether it's accurate to do so, here's a question that might be worth asking:

Is it useful?

No one likes being labeled. That's as true for people with whom you do not agree as it is for those with whom you do.

If the objective is a productive discussion of differences and, ultimately, a peaceful transition into a future that works better for everyone, then applying derogatory labels to people whose view of the world differs from your own is probably not very useful.

If the objective is to insert as many crowbars as possible into already extant political, economic, and social divides, and do as much as possible to pry them open even wider, then applying derogatory labels is a great strategy. Of course, in that case, it's hard to be taken seriously when you profess surprise and dismay at the unfavorable reception you're given by those with whom you do not agree. But I've yet to see that really stop anyone.

[flubert]

>Is it useful?

"But compassion and moral principle cannot be the main motives for leftist activism. Hostility is too prominent a component of leftist behavior; so is the drive for power. Moreover, much leftist behavior is not rationally calculated to be of benefit to the people whom the leftists claim to be trying to help. For example, if one believes that affirmative action is good for black people, does it make sense to demand affirmative action in hostile or dogmatic terms? Obviously it would be more productive to take a diplomatic and conciliatory approach that would make at least verbal and symbolic concessions to white people who think that affirmative action discriminates against them. But leftist activists do not take such an approach because it would not satisfy their emotional needs. Helping black people is not their real goal. Instead, race problems serve as an excuse for them to express their own hostility and frustrated need for power. In doing so they actually harm black people, because the activists’ hostile attitude toward the white majority tends to intensify race hatred."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/national/longterm/unabo...

[throwanem]

Dare I ask in what connection you quote Ted Kaczynski of all people? I mean, I'm sure you are not trying to tar me with the same brush, for no better reason than because I happen to be saying something superficially similar to something Ted Kaczynski once said. But I must confess I fail to see any other way in which this quote is germane. Perhaps you'll enlighten me.

[flubert]

Only to note that the sentiment you've expressed has been expanded upon before, and something worth discussing, even if it was said by an unsavory character. No further implications. Sorry.

[throwanem]

No apology necessary; I appreciate both the expansion and the lack of attempt to slur by association - the latter, in particular, being something I've learned one can't expect every Hacker News commenter to forgo.