So it’s interesting that the issue rallying Republicans right now is fears of “woke” people who are “easily offended” enacting “cancel culture” and they’re using this rallying cry to… be exactly the thing they’re accusing the left of being. Except reversed - instead of being sensitive to how racism and sexism impact people of color and women, it’s about being sensitive to how racism and sexism impact young white people and potentially makes them uncomfortable when they realize their own privilege.
Sure. Fuck your feelings. My feelings, on the other hand, are the only thing that matters…
I’m increasingly convinced that the right-wing freak out over “cancel” culture is about one thing and one thing only - they’re upset that they no longer have the cultural monopoly on finding things offensive. “Other people’s feelings must be taken into account!? Intolerable!”
Anyone who notices I’m an asshole/racist is the real asshole/racist!
Or, to put it another way:
Conservatism consists of exactly one proposition, to wit: There must be in-groups whom the law protects but does not bind, alongside out-groups whom the law binds but does not protect…
I never really thought about it before, but it occurs to me: straight white boys have measurably more self-esteem than other kids. We know this for a fact. Thanks to sexist, racist and homophobic ideals and standards, we have a culture that heaps criticisms and finds fault with anyone who diverges from being a straight white cis male, diminishing their self-esteem, so the battle against encouraging self-esteem and this fight are, in fact, the exact same thing. It’s not about discouraging “unearned” self-esteem, it’s about keeping the balance of power the way it’s traditionally been, as all by itself self-esteem is a potent life advantage.
