Read on Twitter
This is a very reasoned critique of my thread, and I'd encourage everyone to read it. Ultimately I think the truth lies in a synthesis of the two - I certainly don't believe that conditioning by material and ideological forces has nothing to do with it, but these are good points. https://twitter.com/banoffee_pi/status/1307606324776239104
Either way, the point I was trying to make was that our ideological goals are only attainable by use of empathy. There are limits to this, of course; violent fascists are far less likely to be radicalised in an opposite direction purely through empathy alone.
But the point I'm trying to make is that derision of libs who are in panic and see everything crumbling in front of them is fun, yeah, and sometimes it's necessary, but in the overwhelming majority of cases, I believe that it's incredibly unhelpful, looking at the larger picture.
In particular I want to focus on allowing them to consider ideas for change beyond their default sphere of influence. If we show nothing but derision, we run the risk of driving people into the arms of the very reactionaries we want to defeat. That is a highly negative outcome.
For anarchists this is important praxis: almost everything we do is based around mutual aid. But what is mutual aid based upon? Compassion and empathy for others. This has always been the strength of our movement - it's our essence as anarchists. It should be here, too.
Also, thanks once again to @Banoffee_Pi for the insightful discussion points.
I think I could get used to having constructive discussions with people
I think I could get used to having constructive discussions with people
