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1) Something to add to this excellent @JamesFallows piece in @TheAtlantic ( https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/09/media-mistakes/616222/) on the point of how the Trump movement exploits propriety:
2) I think this is connected with right-wing media efforts to get professors and journalists fired, and to come at us with vile attacks meant to draw us into punishable impropriety.
3) When right-wing media were trying to get me fired for my constitutionally and institutionally protected speech in 2017, one of the frustrations I had was that when people invaded my privacy or said vile things to me, I couldn't return the action. That is...
4) Like journalists, officers of the court, etc., my job demands a degree of propriety from me (even if I could get away with acting like a Tucker Carlson fan in my mentions, it wouldn't serve me well in doing my job effectively). The Trump right knows that and exploits it.
5) When a guy calls you up and says 'I hope you and your family get stabbed by an 'illegal immigrant' and you bleed out slowly before you die,' what I want to say to that person goes beyond 'thanks for sharing your opinion.'
6) Such provocations are designed to draw us into punishable or fireable territory. It's another way that such tactics are so effective: It's like playing tennis with someone who can hit the ball anywhere while you have to return within the lines. Impossible.
7) For that reason, among others, I value what Fallows is calling attention to here regarding journalism. The tactics apply across professions and institutions, yes, but also expressly target professions and institutions most bound by propriety. /end
