3 ms·

So, I think I can empathize with this viewpoint comes from, and I think it is shared by a lot of people. Talking or debating issues involving inequality is hard

So, I think I can empathize with this viewpoint comes from, and I think it is shared by a lot of people. Talking or debating issues involving inequality is hard and it is easy to feel like the "bad guy". But I must say, I cannot take seriously the idea that there is a "victimhood culture". It just screams propaganda/dog-whistling to me. And "culture war" is such dangerous and empty language that is primarily used by the right to talk about the fact that historically marginalized people today want to be respected and treated as equals under the law. Historically marginalized people who have been portrayed in the media using stereotypes for decades which has, in my opinion, lead to many well-meaning folks having socially harmful unconscious biases. Historically marginalized people who have been denied wealth. This rhetoric is holding everyone back. Sure, culture will change as more people are empowered. Please stop calling it a "culture war". I guarantee you, people who believe others are acting as "unreasonable victims" are not good students of history. That loudmouthed girl talking a whole lot of shit on Twitter is angry for a reason, even if you don't think they are "articulating" it right. So is the Trump voter. Reality is nuanced.

kthejoker2 6y ago
Mannig and Bradley's book isn't just a buzzy blog post / porpaganada, it's a well researched and nuanced piece of academic literature. It also resonates with our modern conception of how the state and power centers "repurpose" legitimate mechanisms of dissent and discourse for their own ends. For example, the "respectability politics" of the civil rights era gave way to the toxic myths of the "welfare queen" and "Ebonics" - if we can demonstrate you're not respectable, we can deny your rights. If you've heard about "the War on Christmas" or "the most discriminated against people in America are straight white men", then you know there absolutely is power in declaring yourself a victim in 21st century America.

kthejoker2 6y ago

Mannig and Bradley's book isn't just a buzzy blog post / porpaganada, it's a well researched and nuanced piece of academic literature. It also resonates with our modern conception of how the state and power centers "repurpose" legitimate mechanisms of dissent and discourse for their own ends. For example, the "respectability politics" of the civil rights era gave way to the toxic myths of the "welfare queen" and "Ebonics" - if we can demonstrate you're not respectable, we can deny your rights. If you've heard about "the War on Christmas" or "the most discriminated against people in America are straight white men", then you know there absolutely is power in declaring yourself a victim in 21st century America.