This post got banned from !memes@lemmy.world for reason “Troll Posting” which is Very Disrespectful in my opinion. 😕
I mean this meme with full respect and love to my fellow community members and I was proud of the discussion and support it was creating.
EDIT: POST RESTORED YAY. (Thank you to the mods it turned out to be a misunderstanding.)
Important clarification/FAQ
I am not calling to coddle or excuse the behavior of bigoted men in any way!
I am calling to be kind and understanding to young men (often ages 10-20) who are very manipulable and succeptible to the massive anti feminist propaganda machine. Hope this clarifies that very important distinction. :)
Know what tipped me off that Lemmy really doesn't get nuance?
There was an article about a ride-share / taxi company that cateted to women and provided drivers who were also women, to make them feel safer getting a ride.
The comments were absolutely venomous, calling it out as "sexism" and how "what's to stop me from identifying as a woman and calling? They can't refuse me!" which.... fuckin' oof.
But I figured out why they're upset: because they want people to be treated equally instead of acknowledging that some people have different needs that may require extra services to level the playing field.
I agree with your comment though, taking special care for vulnerable populations is important and when in a privileged position can (incorrectly) feel like exclusion.
I think young men who are at a particular vulnerable and formative age seek community and to make their impression on the world.
That feeling has been weaponized by alt-right influencers to start a culture war in order to stifle class conflict.
Since discovering I'm trans I've shaken myself out of this hardcore "rational" mindset that I feel is poisoning the internet.
It's the moderate point of view that the marginalized needs to remain "civil" and shouldn't get overly emotional or say anything hyperbolic.
Every statement needs to be followed with multiple asterisks responding to every possible angle of your statement. All until everything boils down to tepid "bad things are bad" statements, or writing things off as "case by case".
It's this hyperdrive to remain unbiased to the point that taking any stance reveals your biased and you lose.
Our ability to sit around and debate all day like greek philosophers is a recent luxury that's drying up. We need to commit to action, and action requires strong emotional stances.