3 ms·
I hope you see the issue with seeing things in terms of "dog-whistle politics." It washes over legitimate concerns and narrows the Overton Window. Some (not all
by golemotron 10y ago
I hope you see the issue with seeing things in terms of "dog-whistle politics." It washes over legitimate concerns and narrows the Overton Window. Some (not all) people who call out dog-whistles are conscious of that effect and they use it as a weapon.
Ideally we could have a debate about whether it is acceptable for small groups of people to create and enforce local cultures provided people can make choices about whether to participate in those cultures or not. I don't think we are mature enough to do that yet.
- adwf 10y agoYeah I agree with your second point. Society isn't ready for consenting multi-culturalism, the idea that someone might actually like something you find barbaric is a difficult one. As to your first point, calling out dog whistles may be extreme, but it's only a response to the extreme absolutism of public figures calling for "No muslims allowed. No Mexicans allowed. No Chinese goods. Build a wall, etc.". They could propose sensible options like cultural integration courses. Limited immigration from acceptably similar countries. Maybe even remember the foundational concept of freedom of religion... But while they're still pandering to the extremes, I'll still call it dog whistling.