Semantic dilution is one of the keys to the MAGA whataboutisms.
Nazi is a term that we've all normalized over time. Your a "language Nazi" or a "rules Nazi", etc. It's helped to make the idea of actually believing and/or acting like a real Nazi not such a big deal. Now that we have Republicans supporting Nazi type activities... it just doesn't feel so serious. Throw Sydney Sweeney into the mix... and it's even less serious. Protect the tribe at all costs. The more stupid conversation about Nazis there is, the harder it is to recognize the real threats. Nobody was really threatened by the title of this thread... were they?
This "dilution" works on both sides. Woke, cancel culture, toxic... all get played as the reason for so many wrongs, that people either use the term as intended, or use the term as a means to diminish an opinion they disagree with by "flooding the zone" with the use of the term.
Trump is also a huge user of dilution and labeling. It's one of his superpowers. Every Biden policy was a disaster. Democrats are always crazy or corrupt. All Democrat policy is "radical". Anything reported that doesn't flatter Trump is "fake news". Any accusation is a "witch hunt". Facts suggesting anything inappropriate is a "hoax". When Trump does anything it's "like never before" or "the greatest".
Reason and logic give way to normalized acceptance. It's a feature, not a bug.
The left really needs to own it culpability for the current state of our politics. What do you call an actual Nazi when you've called anyone you don't like a Nazi* for years? Right-wing edgelords have taken to ironically adopting Nazi imagery, language, and policies because it provokes the hysterical reaction that numbs the public to what's happening.
Stephen Miller is directing policy in the White House for the second time. We have masked secret police sweeping the streets to imprison anyone they want without trial. But you already called George W. Bush and John McCain fascists; now that it actually applies using it just sounds like more breathless hyperbole.
Y'all are like the Check Engine light that comes on when the gas cap is loose and won't turn off until you go to the dealer to get the code reset. Now we have a rod knock and the last of the oil is billowing out the back in a thick white cloud. The Check Engine light has been on for a year. You can exult See, we were right all along but your warning became meaningless with overuse. We still aren't getting home and the car is trashed.
*The term most abused in this fashion is fascist, but the same critique applies.
Semantic dilution is one of the keys to the MAGA whataboutisms...
I think the Sydney Sweeney thing is a repeat of the Ward Churchill tactic. Take some relatively fringe lefty opinion and portray it as "all the liberals/democrats are saying this"
Is anyone on the left actually upset about Sydney Sweeney? I couldn't care less and haven't met a single person who does. Another manufactured scandal.
This topic is a typical kurtster indulgence, just trying to poke the bear for a reaction he can pounce upon. Not worth the bother. Nothing to see here.
Semantic dilution is one of the keys to the MAGA whataboutisms.
Nazi is a term that we've all normalized over time. Your a "language Nazi" or a "rules Nazi", etc. It's helped to make the idea of actually believing and/or acting like a real Nazi not such a big deal. Now that we have Republicans supporting Nazi type activities... it just doesn't feel so serious. Throw Sydney Sweeney into the mix... and it's even less serious. Protect the tribe at all costs. The more stupid conversation about Nazis there is, the harder it is to recognize the real threats. Nobody was really threatened by the title of this thread... were they?
This "dilution" works on both sides. Woke, cancel culture, toxic... all get played as the reason for so many wrongs, that people either use the term as intended, or use the term as a means to diminish an opinion they disagree with by "flooding the zone" with the use of the term.
Trump is also a huge user of dilution and labeling. It's one of his superpowers. Every Biden policy was a disaster. Democrats are always crazy or corrupt. All Democrat policy is "radical". Anything reported that doesn't flatter Trump is "fake news". Any accusation is a "witch hunt". Facts suggesting anything inappropriate is a "hoax". When Trump does anything it's "like never before" or "the greatest".
Reason and logic give way to normalized acceptance. It's a feature, not a bug.
This topic is a typical kurtster indulgence, just trying to poke the bear for a reaction he can pounce upon. Not worth the bother. Nothing to see here.
