[fsckboy]

> There's no reason to believe that HN is "incredibly xenophobic" except insofar as human beings in general may be.

While he said what he said and you refuted, I think the thought behind what he said was influenced by the rise in anti-Chinese xenophobia of late, and to my mind that is a real phenomenon both on HN and off of it. It is accompanied by, it must be said, a sharp increase in xenophobia in China as well.

I "agree" with the general xenophobia, meaning the lack of progress and backsliding toward China aligning with western democratic and individualistic ideals that I hold dear is very disappointing, but I can also see that indulging in one's xenophobic feelings might not lead to a desired outcome either.

I just say that because, counter to your last statement, there is reason to believe that HN has become incredibly xenophobic (compared to where it was a few years ago), which similar to what you also said, is accompanied by a qualifier.

[dang]

I don't disagree with any of that. I think we're just scoping the word 'xenophobic' differently. To me that word conveys something deeper and more permanent, especially if one uses 'is' with it, as in "HN is incredibly xenophobic". (which was actually a rather silly thing to say)