[version_five]

> Yet we keep falling for their bullshit. Why?

> Because we deeply want to belong to something more than just ourselves, I think.

I think in most cases it's simpler than that. People go along with this kind of BS because they are afraid of being labeled as racist (and in doing so, ironically perpetuate racism). It's a shortcut that special interest have found so shut down discussion: "you're with us or you're racist (or some other 'phobic'") and people end up going along for the most part

[Manu40]

Yes and no.

It's reverse psychology as well to some extent, in my opinion. Or rather, reverse politics perhaps? Is that even a term? Maybe it should be.

One way or the other though, I don't see any issue with being wary of racism. What I see issue with, is bringing it up where there is none, or very little compared to the kind of response being given. And so that's where we seem to agree in the part where you speak of the irony of perpetuating it. (Edit: I should cite an example here. Where I lived before moving back to the city, there was very little racism if any at all. Yet the younger generation and some of my peers would act as if there were KKK members lynching people in the streets. Meanwhile, these same people would spout off about all sorts of atrocious things, depending on their ideological bent.)

As for people going along with things for the most part... Yeah, group think is strong with those who can't think for themselves, especially when they are so weak willed that they will not stand up against those who we would have labelled as bullies as kids.

And then there is stuff like this: https://jamesclear.com/why-facts-dont-change-minds

People like to agree with each other, because they often don't like conflict. But ironically, the only way to deal with those who are essentially bullies, is to fight them. Ignoring them doesn't work, because it just lets them get away with it, and then they grow up into being bullies as adults.

I used to argue this point with my parents, teachers and all other adults as a kid, and now I get to say this: I was right, and the rest were wrong. Ignoring bullies doesn't work, you have to teach them their lesson on the level they understand; whether you like it or not.

But I would much rather just let the world burn now, while I sit back on a small farm and enjoy life while it still lasts. Why?

Because this kind of chaos is what starts world wars, and this one coming up will lead to the 4th being fought with sticks and stones if any of us survive.

Being correct is so awesome... (sarcasm)

[JKCalhoun]

> People go along with this kind of BS because they are afraid of being labeled as racist

Do you actually know anyone for whom this is true? Afraid of being labeled racist? If you're not racist that strikes me as a crazy thing to obsess over.

[AnimalMuppet]

If you're not racist, being labeled racist can cause real, concrete damage. Economic damage, social damage, professional damage. In the current climate, it is to at least some degree rational to want to not be labeled racist.

[JKCalhoun]

No one would want to be labeled a racist. I think the difference is how constantly worried you are you about it — do you change your behavior in order to steer clear of anything that might remotely look questionable. My friends who are also coworkers never behaved differently around me when in public or in private.

[Manu40]

I do.

Basically (almost) everyone in every class I've ever been in, in every school I ever went to, in every province I ever lived in here in Canada.

And they are now adults.

No one who is not racist likes being called racist, and will stoop to all sorts of levels below themselves to somehow prop themselves up as holier than thou.

[arisbe__]

Literaly everyone I know with the exclusion of myself.

[throwawayallday]

>People go along with this kind of BS because they are afraid of being labeled as communist

Do you actually know anyone for whom this is true? Afraid of being labeled communist? If you're not communist that strikes me as a crazy thing to obsess over.

See what I did there? These were legitimate fears during the Red Scare. We're similarly in another moral panic, and a lot of these terrible situations are resurrecting.

[JKCalhoun]

I just am who I am and people are free to call me what they please. It's always been that way. Doing any differently is acting out of fear. I just don't see any reason to feel fearful.

Back in the 70's did men go around making sure everyone knew they were straight? Some did I suppose, but it was probably kind of sad or embarrassing.