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> In Germany, we call such persons "geistige Brandstifter" for a reason. The "there's a world for that in German" thing is probably a good (but obviously imper
by lamontcg 3y ago
> In Germany, we call such persons "geistige Brandstifter" for a reason.
The "there's a world for that in German" thing is probably a good (but obviously imperfect) inoculation against extremist propaganda.
I'm often frustrated that we don't have pithy little phrases specific to all kinds of bad behavior in English. It is easier to talk about things if they're given specific names.
- someweirdperson 3y agoIt's nice to have specific terms for special generic concepts. However, use of the German language doesn't stop there, and creates an association between some terms and use in a specific political context, removing these expressions from politically correct usability even outside of the political context that claimed them. And those are a lot more subtle and difficult to identify than e.g., allow/deny-lists.
- Fnoord 3y agoYou're free to adopt them in English. Such as 'schadenfreude'. We got a Dutch word for that; leedvermaak.
- lamontcg 3y agoYes, which we've done, but if I go around talking to people in Seattle about "Geistige Brandstifter" I have exactly one friend who is going to know what I'm talking about because they're German. Language doesn't really work unless there's broad social buy-in, otherwise you're just talking to yourself.