I'm sure the lists made you feel better and very proud that none of them apply to you Caitlin, but it doesn't get us anywhere.
I could say that I lose interest in your world view if you ignore the holocaust that is factory farming of other animals. However, that doesn't get us any closer to ending factory farming. I ignored factory farming and Palestine until my cognitive dissonance revealed itself.
People are more likely to respond to us if we try and remember what it was like for us and admit to having that mindset at one point- until we had the privilege of an experience of self love and awareness.
How does it help the world if we just say 'I'm not interested in your point of view until it aligns with mine'?
I think you need to always try. But when people are in bad faith utterly, then it is futile. I used to be democrat good, conservative bad. Because I was 18-23 and girls and fun were far more important than reality vs propaganda. Good Points Jo
The way comments have been trending so far the list will be extended to ca 1000 in no time. At any rate, to the point where no conversation of any sort can take place at all. Besides brownnosers and asslickers, of course, - those will comply with anything.
Come back to me after you had your 300th ‘discussion’ with a thick-as-fuck moron incapable of understanding logic or evidence, whose only argument is to be bigoted & abusive and quote far-right hate-rags, and then tell me i should keep wasting my time on them.
When someone says, "Israel has a right to defend itself," makes me want to give him/her reason to do so for himself/herself. Another "Tulsi Gabbard (or Jill Stein) is a Russian agent." Good list, Caitlin. All exactly right. What bothers me most is people talking on and on and on about nothing at all.
I still think it is important to read everything you can. Otherwise you risk missing something that might be crucial. I read far right, far left and everything in between. How else can you develop the ability to think critically? One thing I know for sure is that none of us are right about everything and most of us are right about nothing. Peace to you.
Yes, i omitted the far left, because their ideology isn’t rooted in the persecution & extermination of others (which is not to say that isn’t how they’ve ended up sometimes). I don’t exclude people because of ‘political differences’, I exclude them because their politics are disgusting & based on ideas of racial (or other) superiority, and of killing those they deem inferior. The idea that I should be willing to sit down & calmly discuss anything with people who want to exterminate me is absurd.
Where would you place eugenicists and "intellectuals" like Harari et al on the left-right spectrum?
What I'm getting at - left and right are meaningless along with their perceived near or far-ness. Claims to superiority of all kinds - not necessarily racial - exist all across the humanity. Superiority breeds contempt and derision, and various schemes of "betterment" pop up from the most active representatives of all stripes.
You yourself supplied an example of such a claim. You are superior, therefore... etc.
Left and right are not meaningless. The only left is Marxism. Everything else pretending to be left is bourgeois liberal. And the bourgeoisie support capitalism.
Where would I place Harari? I don’t know enough of his politics to place him anywhere, but then I’m not sure that his eugenicist ideas are rooted in political ideology so much as a very twisted perception of the world. Anyone who can read ‘Brave New World’ and see it as a utopia clearly has something very wrong with them.
And frankly, equating me with exterminationists is insulting. I judge people on their actions, and the impact those actions have on others, not on their religion, ethnicity, or any other innate characteristic, but on their choices. And I don’t advocate for them to be locked in camps or wiped out. Refusing to engage with their nonsense is in no way comparable, and comparing the two things makes you seem deliberately obtuse.
The democrats are intent on killing Palestinians. Maybe you don’t mean democrats when you’re talking about left wing. With all the categories things are supposed to fit in, it’s hard to keep up. There are definitely racist MAGA types, but the democrats have shown to be pretty fucking racist too. I think the Palestinians would agree. You have to give equal opportunity when attacking the two parties, because they are the same. They just play the partisan politics game.
Only an idiot considers the democrats to be left wing. Julius Nyerere said it best when he said “the United States is a one party state, but with typical American extravagance they have two of them”.
Much on your list demonstrates your intolerance. We can learn from everyone even if we choose not to take up their beliefs. If you want to understand why people do, say, think what you do not like then listen to them.
Your first two conditions are prejudice. You are dismissing people simply because of their political beliefs and you are demonising a President who was and is no worse than the other motley bag.
Rather than not listen, perhaps treat with scepticism and caution those who hold intolerant beliefs as you list them. Do not become intolerant yourself.
>>"Much on your list demonstrates your intolerance"
Infact, Caitlin's article is THE OPPOSITE of intolerance. I guess you found it hard to follow?
There is a difference between "listening" and "engaging/wasting time argueing" with someone that is NOT intellectually honest and does not engage "in good faith".
I want to second Roslyn's comment. I do appreciate much of Caitlin's writing, but like Chris Hedges, she avoids taking on the very real state crimes that make all this possible. Forget about Covid 19 and 9.11, the Federal Reserve, I know she knows that if she touches these "stupid conspiracy theories" she will not be able to make a living off her writing. But even Palantir's control of the Federal government she will not touch.
Chang seems to be an agent. He/she essentially is placed here to attack those who question the accepted narrative that pretends it is questioning accepted narratives. But I will say this. Johnstone is willing to let us post here and that I respect.
chokaski is the blog's carpet clown. It blocked me so I can't poke at it the way I used to, but looks like more opportunity for other people to get engaged opened up and I keep being entertained regardless.
"I know she knows that ..." - you can't know that. "You know it and I know it" and "you know what I mean" are the assumptions that always crack me up.
That said, Caitlin said a few times that she does not touch subjects that she has not had time or interest to investigate. You suggest it is because she's afraid. That's a bit presumptuous on your part, isn't it?
That there's lots of sycophantic groupies among commenters here who will brownnose and worship to no end doesn't mean she considers herself some Thought Leader at Universal Scale. At least that's my impression.
That’s not what she said. She literally said she had no patience with people who cannot TELL THE DIFFERENCE between smart conspiracy theories and dumb ones. Like, the difference between 9/11 being an inside job or Joe Biden was “sharp as a tack”(not dumb) versus the Clinton family running a kiddy brothel from a Pizza Hut (quite dumb.)
I don’t think it was Pizza Hut. But there is way too much smoke for the Clinton is running pedophilia to not be a fire. I hope I’m wrong. But I would never have guessed Covid and vaccines were completely misrepresented, or that Russia gate was a hoax, or that 51 former intelligence officers would sign a letter that they knew was a lie. I would never have believed that the FBI would ask for the Seth Rich laptop be kept secret for 60 years. Shall I continue? Need more examples? If you do we probably aren’t using the same data.
Spoken like a comfortable Republican. People who defend any part of a fake government don’t need to be heard or tolerated. Too many Americans have turned their brains off because they are comfortably existing in the status quo.
OTOH, the victims of the status quo are more credible and deserving of tolerance, but sometimes they make more victims with emotional, hurtful decisions that confirm that the abused are often abusers.
I am not American so I am not a Republican. I have read truly stupid and evil things done by Democrats and Republicans and truly admirable things done by either side as well. I think your system is sick and both major parties are corrupted by the power of big money and your dishonest lobbying system. But, there are both Democrats and Republicans with integrity despite the corruption of their systems.
I think your perspective is the essence of liberalism. The liberal state eschews collective accountability. The individual is the star of the show. By privatizing every public service, demonizing socialism and dismissing cries of social injustice, talk of systemic dysfunction is silenced.
The Democrats and Republicans with integrity are all on the other side of the grass. The donors own all of the “elected” representatives of the state.
All systems are dangerous when unregulated and unchecked including individualism.
I support respect for individual differences but have a traditional approach to systems which enable individuals to express, where appropriate, their individual natures but allow them to remain as a functioning part of the system of society.
The individual who runs rogue, like the cell, will ultimately destroy itself and its society. Individuals must be taught to respect the innate laws of nature and the world and to understand that we are all united, despite our individual differences and working for the good of all is a better goal than being purely self-serving.
As to demonizing socialism, Americans are peculiar in their ignorance because many equate socialism with communism, a long-dead system anyway, when socialism as social welfare exists in all developed nations, albeit minimally in the US and the States with the best social welfare systems offer their citizens the best quality of life. That is why Americans on average have the poorest quality of life of any developed nation.
The ignorance is a product of system narrative. Your equivocation about good and bad people is irrelevant. A toxic system permits corruption to consolidate power for a tiny minority who use power to make the status quo unassailable. America is devoted to individuals who run rogue.
Yes, I agree but, at the end of the day each individual needs to make a choice as to whether they are working for themselves or for everyone; for principles of justice or injustice.
We have been far too tolerant of neocons and neolibs, who have demonstrated intolerance and an unwillingness to listen or have real conversations for far too long. It's well past due that the imperialists get the same energy they put out.
When you let yourself be dragged down to the base levels of the worst of others you are no better than them. An eye for an eye just makes people blind.
I am well aware of the human capacity to hold two conflicting views at the one time. To condemn intolerance in others and not see it in your own actions. All human qualities involve paradox. That is the problem.
Calling people transphobic, for defending women's and girls' protected, sex-segregated spaces, for example, is as deceitful and as crudely manipulative as calling defenders of Palestine antisemitic.
i think you are putting up a straw man. the author tolerates the views on the list (like yours), but just choses to not engage. very often because she addressed these issues earlier and one can read her backlog.
one point would be to explain to other readers why the author tolerates certain bs in the comments, often meant to trigger and rehash a discussion for the umpteenth time, thus making people lose time and energy.
As I said before, we can choose where we spend our time but I fail to see why we need to publish a list dictating who will be punished and for what subjective crimes.
nobody is being 'punished'. if you have a new revolutionary take on why anyone should support the dems or worry about anti-semitism or the jewish conspiracy or the 'human shields' shields narrative or any of the other issues on the list, caitlin won't censor it and if it's really something that has never been addressed in any of the previous columns, she might address it anyway (unless one can tell from a mile the only intent is to annoy, of course).
Sorry, but I fail to see the point of publishing a list, which has unreasonable conditions and punishes those who do not comply in the first place.
The application of such conditions can be done in private. Why send out a warning? What is that meant to achieve? What in fact could it achieve?
What is served by a list which is based on, I will not consider anything anyone has to say about anything if they dare to hold the following positions? Or more accurately If I deem them to hold the following positions.
These places become echo chambers and it can go to the writer's head with plenty of acolytes cheering. It was an unwise and unreasonable post. That is the only point I make.
Bravo Caitlin! I commend you on your intellectual honesty (few people possess it, and even fewer are able to stick with it).
Thank you! (and BTW, I agree with EVERY one of your 31 surefire ways - it certainly does save a lot of time that should be spent on better/more fruitful conversations - something that I should learn from and keep in mind).
I read it and it demonstrates intolerance. Let me explain.
It says: Easiest ways to make me lose all interest in everything you have to say
In other words, if you say something I do not like even if my opposition to it is reasonable, I will lose interest, dismiss, EVERYTHING you have to say.
That is imposing your views, beliefs, attitudes upon others and demanding that they meet your conditions before you will listen TO ANYTHING they have to say.
I prefer the maxim: I defend to my death your right to say what you think even if I disagree with you utterly.
I could go through the list and demonstrate why it is often unreasonable, intolerant, unfair, judgmental and censorship but you can do that if you put your thinking cap on.
And I would make the point, in terms of principles I agree with much Caitlin has listed, but in terms of the categorical dismissal based on her conditions, I can never agree.
For example, not all Democratics or Trump supporters are fools or wrong. Listen and learn is a wise maxim even if ultimately you reject.
If you bother to follow Caitlin's work, you would realize that she has put IMMENSE amount of thought into her opinions/ideas/etc. To get to that level, one HAS to listen to opposing ideas, arguments, etc.
BUT -> after one goes through the process of analysis, critical thinking, deep thinking, etc. and reaches a level of intellectual rigorousness/logical validity/soundness of arguments, etc., one has to take the NEXT STEP.
The NEXT STEP is to stop wasting time arguing with people that DO NOT WANT to change their mind (or listen to different perspectives) under any circumstances. There is NOTHING to be gained here.
Eg. Please try convincing Trump why capitalism is bad. Is it worth your time?
THAT is what Caitlin's article is about. It's unfortunate that you did not get the gist of it.
How is not listening "imposing"? I should think it is the opposite. Caitlin is talking about not bothering to listen to crap she's heard before and I don't bother with that kind of crap, either. If someone disagrees with me but is willing to discuss it intelligently, I will listen. But anyone who promotes capitalism and imperialism is not going to get a listen from me. I am a socialist and the aim of socialism is to overthrow capitalism.
Unfortunately the concept of willing to discuss it intelligently, is highly subjective. If Caitlin is talking about not bothering to listen to crap she’s heard before then why not say just that and not bother with a list? Anyone who categorically rejects all members of any group, ie. Democrats and Republicans, for any reason is not simply talking about bothering to listen to crap heard before.
If you are a social welfare socialist which is what virtually every developed nation but the US is, then fear not, the world is well on its way.
If you are a socialism as in communism socialist then we have clear evidence that system is a total failure.
There is no need to overthrow capitalism, just regulate it. Americans have the poorest quality of life on average in the developed world because the US does not regulate Capitalism and other developed nations do.
By all means work to control Capitalism but since it is a part of human nature and always has been, far, far more than Communism, the sensible thing is to make it work. If other nations can make it work better than Americans do then the problem is not Capitalism but the United States.
is there a maxim that says any pundit has a duty to listen to everyone's opinion, even if they are already familiar with it? it would make one very vulnerable to ddos attacks.
If you consider that Roslyn is not making any sense, please explain what it is that you consider not to be sensible. Otherwise, please delete your comment as it becomes no more than an opinionated and, in my view, flawed observaton followed by a question which would seem more likely to refer to your comment than to hers.
Here is an explanation: There is no mention of "intolerance" or "prejudice" in Caitlin's article.
It is a matter on "where to spend the limited resources" everyone has.
Do you want to spend it with/on someone that is not interested in discussing subjects in good faith, is incredibly biased and unable to think critically and is not intellectually honest?
Caitlin's article is about "allocation of resources" for maximum impact. Hope you understand now.
I understand the principles, stated and implied, HOWEVER, it is still judgmental and censorship.
She says: Easiest ways to make me lose all interest in everything you have to say.
Which says, I have conditions and I demand you meet them or I will reject EVERYTHING you have to say.
I think everyone is worth hearing and when we select who we will hear, we create an echo chamber which imprison us and our thinking.
I fully understand that time must be managed, but the statement and the list remains censorship.
You said: Do you want to spend it with/on someone that is not interested in discussing subjects in good faith, (SUBJECTIVE JUDGMENT) is incredibly biased (SUBJECTIVE JUDGEMENT )and unable to think critically (SUBJECTIVE JUDGMENT) and is not intellectually honest (SUBJECTIVE JUDGMENT) ?
Censorship is preventing a person or persons from being heard or read or witnessed. Caitlin is censoring nobody. She has listened, has heard and concluded that she’s heard enough. It is completely subjective and instructive. You maybe missed her point.
Your proposed method doesn’t take into account people’s limited time and stamina. Also, those interested in informing people and/or starting a movement would spend all their time talking to the likes of Majorie Taylor Green. Yes, I would censor people like that from my discussions because I only have so much time. To be blunt, the liberal line that you have to listen to everyone or everyone has something worth hearing is bullshit and services only to distract those who actually have some cogent thoughts to share.
>>"Which says, I have conditions and I demand you meet them or I will reject EVERYTHING you have to say."
NOPE!
You obviously haven't bothered to spend time reading Caitlin's work. If you had, you would understand what she's saying.
Like I explained in my other comment to you, Caitlin's ALREADY put in the work (unlike many others) into understanding the subjects being discussed. The question is about: wasting time and using resources wisely.
>>"I think everyone is worth hearing"
Sure, please spend your time hearing/listening to Benjamin Netanyahu and the likes of him.
Most people have a life (and better things to do with it) than listening to EVERYONE.
Thank you but I don’t need your explanation or your assistance to understand Caitlin’s article. That is why I said what I did in my first sentence. However, the remainder of what I said is also true. It is not uncommon when individuals feel strongly about ‘whatever’ for them to lose focus and make statements that are incorrect, imprecise or sometimes even redolent of the sorts of claims they would decry.
You asked me >>"If you consider that Roslyn is not making any sense, please explain what it is that you consider not to be sensible."
And I replied >>"Roslyn's comment makes NO SENSE in the context of this article"
Why? Because she misinterpreted Caitlin's article. I elucidated HOW she misinterpreted the article (i.e. the article is NOT about Caitlin not listening or being prejudicial or intolerant (as she is falsely accused of by Roslyn), but about wise time-management, allocation of limited resources on what is most important to Caitlin, and intellectual honesty).
“26. Automatically assume the mass media are always lying”
Really? I think that this is a perfectly reasonable position to take. First, assume they’re lying. Why? Past evidence proves this to be the case most of the time. Then, when necessary, investigate their claims to ascertain if there may be some truth to them. This is simply following the precautionary principle based on ample knowledge of mass media malfeasance.
Yep. On the rare occasions when the mass media does tell the truth, we'll figure it out pretty quickly and get to feel the positive emotion of a pleasant surprise.
That's much better than the constant surprise I see in so many when they ask out loud why the media would lie to THEM and then act all hurt about it.
1 and 2 are hard for many in the United States because those people haven't woken up, there really isn't an excuse. Quite simply there are two things people do not understand about why you should support neither party. Firstly, blaming the other party always for the problem is a sign of immaturity, just like it is the same for a relationship. Secondly it highlights the fact that the parties don't work well together...well my statement isn't true, they work well together...against the interest of the people.
26...The mass media isn't always lying, but they lie often enough to where they would appear to be like the boy who cried wolf. It isn't fair, but when you hire ex government in journalism, there surely is a conflict of interest when there is so much propaganda.
I find everything stated to be very reasonable in this article. What people fail to realize is that most of the people who disagree with these things either are believing a narrative presented by a side or they lack basic compassion. There is the possibility of being ignorant but you have written about being an adult who has the internet and can do research. I think the most sobering thing in the article is the part about researching against one's own bias. Something I try to do but some times I don't recognize my biases, I remain open to them being challenged and here many have given me insight that I may overlook.
No, it isn't. Unfortunately, while Caitlin has, in my opinion, strong insight and positive moral sensibility, my experience is that she can also be extremely dogmatic and prone to generalisations which, by definition, do not apply to many.
From the perspective of a Muslim Palestinian, the focus on "shitting on trans people" as a standalone moral offense might seem disconnected from the existential struggles many people face daily. I come from a community where we’re fighting to survive under occupation, enduring bombings, apartheid policies, and the theft of our land. Poverty is widespread, infrastructure is destroyed, and children are growing up in refugee camps with no hope for a better future. I am one of the lucky ones to have had education. And yet, somehow, your main concern is ensuring nobody says anything that could offend trans people?
I don’t support the concept of "trans" as it contradicts my beliefs, culture, and understanding of human nature. Why should I? Respect doesn’t mean blind acceptance of Western ideologies imposed on the rest of the world. Just as you have the freedom to critique religion, capitalism, or Zionism, I should have the freedom to reject ideas that don’t align with my values. That’s free speech, isn’t it?
And let’s be real—people have the right to “shit on” other people’s ideas. Palestinians criticize Jews and Zionism because we are oppressed by the Israeli state. Yemenis have every right to call out those funding their suffering. Why should trans people be treated as an untouchable category immune to critique? If criticizing people or ideas is off-limits, how will you stand against injustice, oppression, or exploitation in any form?
While you’re hand-wringing over someone misgendering someone else, millions of us are dying, starving, or living in fear. Maybe your priorities need a little recalibration because the world isn’t burning because of "transphobia".
Wake up—transphobia is the new antisemitism, weaponized to silence dissent and blur the line between critique and hate.
As a Pagan, I personally have nothing against trans people. But I’m not going to deify them either.
As in the rest of society, there are kind, good-hearted trans people and ones who are dishonest all-around crappy people. And I’m not giving the latter a break just because they’re “trans”. They are NOT special.
I respect the freedom to believe or not believe in religion, but I disagree with extreme views, such as advocating, as some atheists are, for the banning of religious places like mosques and churches. Similarly, while I don't have any animosity toward transgender individuals, I find it difficult to accept extreme ideologies that would label me transphobic for simply keeping my hijab on in the presence of a man who identifies as a woman, because it offends them. My beliefs are about mutual respect, not forcing others to conform to ideologies.
As a Pagan, I have a deep spirituality; I merely believe that Nature is the “higher power”. I am not an atheist.
I believe that everyone deserves freedom to practice the religion of their choice, as long as it doesn’t infringe on the rights of others, such as are the extreme rightwing “Christian” Zionists. They’re a true threat to the world.
Agreed. I appreciate your perspective on spirituality and the importance of respecting everyone's right to practice their beliefs. Religion should not infringe on others' rights. The extreme views you mention, particularly those tied to political ideologies, are concerning. Obviously, Islamic fundamentalism included.
Transphobia is a real issue. Trans people are victims of violent claims at a large rate. Trans people (and the rest of the LGBTQ+ Community) are disproportionately at risk of being unhoused. Trans kids suffer from high rates of suicide. This is a real and serious problem.
And this isn't comparing what Trans people in the US suffer with what you as a Palestinian suffer. I don't believe in comparing people's suffering. But just because one group is suffering doesn't erase the other group suffering.
And here's the thing, you don't have to fully accept or agree with Trans people if you believe it contradicts your religious beliefs, but don't promote hatred or bigotry or discrimination against them.
You would think after the murder and dehumanization of your people, you’d learn not do to dehumanize another group of people. Especially a group that’s never done anything wrong to you. I understand yall have it much harder, but that doesn’t mean no other oppressed people have a right to exist.
It seems you're misunderstanding my point. Where in my statement did I dehumanize anyone? Criticizing certain behaviors or ideologies doesn’t equate to dehumanizing individuals. If I criticize certain atheist behaviors, it doesn’t mean I dehumanize atheists people. My focus is on the larger issues at play, not attacking anyone’s humanity. Criticizing an ideology doesn't equate to dehumanizing people. My concern is that focusing on culture wars, like "shitting on trans people," distracts from the larger systemic issues that affect everyone. Palestinians, or anyone, can reject ideologies that clash with their values without denying anyone’s humanity. It's about prioritizing the most pressing struggles and fighting for all oppressed peoples, not reducing everything to identity politics.
Frankly, your response reminds me of those Zionists who cry "antisemitism" at any criticism of their actions. Please, we are Palestinians—we know too well what real dehumanization looks like. Let’s not conflate critique with hate.
The US is the superpower my friend. Israel does the bidding of the US. That’s the reason it exists. They want you to believe Israel is the bad guy and the US is somehow under their control. In reality, Israel is a colony, created by Britain and the US. AIPAC keeps the politicians in line and they launder our tax money through the endless wars. They also steal oil. We’ve been stealing Iraq’s and Syria’s oil for quite a while. The spoils of war.
Dear Caitlin, Thank you. Every single point you have made makes me happy that I am following you. Every single point you have made, I have found out for myself to be the truth. This truth will invariably lead us to a just and caring worldview.
Usefully vague. Can you define what "trans"means? A young woman trying to escape being female in a patriarchal society? A middle-aged man who is sexually aroused at the thought of being a teenage a girl?
When women defend their right to privacy, dignity and safety and seek to preserve their protected, sex-segregated spaces, is that shitting on trans people?
Is saying "Sex is immutable. Men cannot be women" shitting on trans people?
You couldn't be more right and no little girl (teen, woman, or any female) should have to share a bathroom with a grown man or expect to find a grown man there!! That's why I gave up the Target store many years ago... haven't been back in over a decade.
We all know the implication about what you're saying is that Trans women (or men pretending to be Trans women) are going to rape the women and girls in those bathrooms.
So, two questions:
1. Can you actually name a time that happened?
2. Can you explain why a rapist would need to pretend to be Trans in order to rape someone when we live in a society that treats rapists better than Trans people?
Then why can't you name a single time it's happened?
"But even if it hasn't been "rape", that isn't the only reason to object to this."
Then please name another one beyond you just not liking it.
"Absurd shrill nonsense."
In our society, very few SA crimes are actually prosecuted. And whenever there is a case, there are always people (even those with actual power) saying "oh, it didn't happen, she's lying" or "oh, maybe she deserved it, look at what she's wearing" or "he's a nice boy, we shouldn't ruin his life over one mistake". On the other hand, Trans people suffer from violent crimes, suicide, poverty, homelessness, discrimination and bigotry.
You can assume implications all day long (interesting, the one you immediately go to), however, I spoke clearly. No female, regardless of age, should have to share a LADIES ROOM with a man, or expect to find a man there!! No implications or further explanation needed. No sound-minded or honorable man would put himself in a position to be sharing a LADIES ROOM with little girls, teen girls or women.
First, we all know what the implication of what you're saying is so don't even try to pretend otherwise.
Second, you haven't actually presented an argument about WHY it's a problem a vague nebulous idea of "men shouldn't be sharing a ladies room", which is just a distortion and you know it.
Third, there actually aren't any men sharing a ladies room because Trans women aren't men.
Fourth, I'm curious about where you think Trans Men should go. Because something tells me you'd also object to them being in the women's restroom.
Anyone with an appendage should not be in a LADIES ROOM. Why? Because they're men. It's as simple as that. Your view is clearly different than mine. I will side with God and common sense every time.
If I put on a lion mask, I am not a lion. If I enter a lion's den, they will know the truth and respond accordingly. No amount of senseless babble about my believing I'm a lion will change their minds. The truth is simple and cannot be changed. I'd just be a nut job in a lion's den with a lion mask on.
Your argument is cyclical, and I will not indulge your distorted view of reality. I wish you all the best, but will not engage further.
First, you pretty much exposed yourself by mentioning "I side with God" as a religious fanatic (even though the Bible doesn't say anything about Trans people and as far as I know neither does the Quran).
Second, there are Intersex people. Are they not supposed to use any bathroom because they don't clearly present according to your view of man or woman?
Third, your analogy misses the entire point.
Fourth, I love how you didn't actually respond to any of my other points.
Fifth, "I will not indulge your distorted view of reality. I wish you all the best, but will not engage further."
Translation: "You're not buying my anti-Trans arguments, so I'm going to run away like a coward"
We all know the implication about what you're saying is that Trans women (or men pretending to be Trans women) are going to rape the women and girls in those bathrooms.
So, two questions:
1. Can you actually name a time that happened?
2. Can you explain why a rapist would need to pretend to be Trans in order to rape someone when we live in a society that treats rapists better than Trans people?
If a rapist is actually going to rape someone, they aren't going to let something like a bathroom sign stop them. And why would rapists need to pretend to be Trans when we live in a society that treats rapists better than Trans people.
Also, your "source" is a tabloid associated with the Daily Mail. So I have no reason to take your claim seriously.
Any man who violates women's boundaries is a predator.
Convicted trans rapists are being housed in women's prisons. Does that happen to rapists who don't claim to be the opposite sex? Who is being treated better?
First, no. Your "source" was a right-wing tabloid associated with the Daily Mail and Rupert Murdoch.
Second, you're making that up. Trans people who are convicted of crimes get sent to the prisons of the gender they were born in. Where they are then the victims of violent crimes.
"Cisgender" only exits if you believe that people can be born in the wrong body, a non-sensical, quasi-religious delusion, indicating a pathological mind-body split.
For me too, it is very difficult to be interested in the thoughts of people who ignore Gaza. But there is a major problem here. Of the people living in empire-controlled countries, AT LEAST 80% ignore Gaza. This is a source of severe and chronic psychological stress.
I agree with all 31, but personally I’d add a few more (looking from a British perspective):
32) talk about how the Nazis were socialists.
33) defend literally anything about the British empire.
34) support the Tories
35) support Reform/UKIP/the Brexit party/whatever else they’re calling themselves this year.
36) say anything positive about Tommy Robinson
37) quote the Daily Mail, the Sun, or the Express.
38) mention Corbyn being a terrorist supporter.
All good additions.
I'm sure the lists made you feel better and very proud that none of them apply to you Caitlin, but it doesn't get us anywhere.
I could say that I lose interest in your world view if you ignore the holocaust that is factory farming of other animals. However, that doesn't get us any closer to ending factory farming. I ignored factory farming and Palestine until my cognitive dissonance revealed itself.
People are more likely to respond to us if we try and remember what it was like for us and admit to having that mindset at one point- until we had the privilege of an experience of self love and awareness.
How does it help the world if we just say 'I'm not interested in your point of view until it aligns with mine'?
I think you need to always try. But when people are in bad faith utterly, then it is futile. I used to be democrat good, conservative bad. Because I was 18-23 and girls and fun were far more important than reality vs propaganda. Good Points Jo
The way comments have been trending so far the list will be extended to ca 1000 in no time. At any rate, to the point where no conversation of any sort can take place at all. Besides brownnosers and asslickers, of course, - those will comply with anything.
Come back to me after you had your 300th ‘discussion’ with a thick-as-fuck moron incapable of understanding logic or evidence, whose only argument is to be bigoted & abusive and quote far-right hate-rags, and then tell me i should keep wasting my time on them.
When someone says, "Israel has a right to defend itself," makes me want to give him/her reason to do so for himself/herself. Another "Tulsi Gabbard (or Jill Stein) is a Russian agent." Good list, Caitlin. All exactly right. What bothers me most is people talking on and on and on about nothing at all.
I still think it is important to read everything you can. Otherwise you risk missing something that might be crucial. I read far right, far left and everything in between. How else can you develop the ability to think critically? One thing I know for sure is that none of us are right about everything and most of us are right about nothing. Peace to you.
they flood the information space, often with reruns. you have to be selective.
I think you are having that discussion now. He rarely posts anything worth reading.
Clean up that brown crust off your nose sammy. It stinks!
I was beginning to get that impression.
You were beginning to get an impression you prematurely brainfarted and when called - it was too late. The smell is all over. Now enjoy.
I'm back very quickly as I've had all kinds of conversations. Both with far-right and far-left (for some reason you omitted those).
And I've not told you specifically what to do, have I? 😉
Yes, i omitted the far left, because their ideology isn’t rooted in the persecution & extermination of others (which is not to say that isn’t how they’ve ended up sometimes). I don’t exclude people because of ‘political differences’, I exclude them because their politics are disgusting & based on ideas of racial (or other) superiority, and of killing those they deem inferior. The idea that I should be willing to sit down & calmly discuss anything with people who want to exterminate me is absurd.
Where would you place eugenicists and "intellectuals" like Harari et al on the left-right spectrum?
What I'm getting at - left and right are meaningless along with their perceived near or far-ness. Claims to superiority of all kinds - not necessarily racial - exist all across the humanity. Superiority breeds contempt and derision, and various schemes of "betterment" pop up from the most active representatives of all stripes.
You yourself supplied an example of such a claim. You are superior, therefore... etc.
Left and right are not meaningless. The only left is Marxism. Everything else pretending to be left is bourgeois liberal. And the bourgeoisie support capitalism.
Where would I place Harari? I don’t know enough of his politics to place him anywhere, but then I’m not sure that his eugenicist ideas are rooted in political ideology so much as a very twisted perception of the world. Anyone who can read ‘Brave New World’ and see it as a utopia clearly has something very wrong with them.
And frankly, equating me with exterminationists is insulting. I judge people on their actions, and the impact those actions have on others, not on their religion, ethnicity, or any other innate characteristic, but on their choices. And I don’t advocate for them to be locked in camps or wiped out. Refusing to engage with their nonsense is in no way comparable, and comparing the two things makes you seem deliberately obtuse.
The democrats are intent on killing Palestinians. Maybe you don’t mean democrats when you’re talking about left wing. With all the categories things are supposed to fit in, it’s hard to keep up. There are definitely racist MAGA types, but the democrats have shown to be pretty fucking racist too. I think the Palestinians would agree. You have to give equal opportunity when attacking the two parties, because they are the same. They just play the partisan politics game.
Only an idiot considers the democrats to be left wing. Julius Nyerere said it best when he said “the United States is a one party state, but with typical American extravagance they have two of them”.
I disagree with those people who say Hitler and Stalin were the same.Its a popular Uk mindset
Total waste of skin
agreed
Much on your list demonstrates your intolerance. We can learn from everyone even if we choose not to take up their beliefs. If you want to understand why people do, say, think what you do not like then listen to them.
Your first two conditions are prejudice. You are dismissing people simply because of their political beliefs and you are demonising a President who was and is no worse than the other motley bag.
Rather than not listen, perhaps treat with scepticism and caution those who hold intolerant beliefs as you list them. Do not become intolerant yourself.
>>"Much on your list demonstrates your intolerance"
Infact, Caitlin's article is THE OPPOSITE of intolerance. I guess you found it hard to follow?
There is a difference between "listening" and "engaging/wasting time argueing" with someone that is NOT intellectually honest and does not engage "in good faith".
I want to second Roslyn's comment. I do appreciate much of Caitlin's writing, but like Chris Hedges, she avoids taking on the very real state crimes that make all this possible. Forget about Covid 19 and 9.11, the Federal Reserve, I know she knows that if she touches these "stupid conspiracy theories" she will not be able to make a living off her writing. But even Palantir's control of the Federal government she will not touch.
Chang seems to be an agent. He/she essentially is placed here to attack those who question the accepted narrative that pretends it is questioning accepted narratives. But I will say this. Johnstone is willing to let us post here and that I respect.
Wow - replying to yourself instead of addressing the person you seem to be hurling an accusation at unprovoked.
Real mature. Do you have an argument here against aything I said, or do you simply have a biased and over-imaginative opinion on things?
chokaski is the blog's carpet clown. It blocked me so I can't poke at it the way I used to, but looks like more opportunity for other people to get engaged opened up and I keep being entertained regardless.
"I know she knows that ..." - you can't know that. "You know it and I know it" and "you know what I mean" are the assumptions that always crack me up.
That said, Caitlin said a few times that she does not touch subjects that she has not had time or interest to investigate. You suggest it is because she's afraid. That's a bit presumptuous on your part, isn't it?
That there's lots of sycophantic groupies among commenters here who will brownnose and worship to no end doesn't mean she considers herself some Thought Leader at Universal Scale. At least that's my impression.
That’s not what she said. She literally said she had no patience with people who cannot TELL THE DIFFERENCE between smart conspiracy theories and dumb ones. Like, the difference between 9/11 being an inside job or Joe Biden was “sharp as a tack”(not dumb) versus the Clinton family running a kiddy brothel from a Pizza Hut (quite dumb.)
I doubt that assertion will age well.
you honestly believe Hil was running a kiddy brothel from a Pizza Hut?
I don’t think it was Pizza Hut. But there is way too much smoke for the Clinton is running pedophilia to not be a fire. I hope I’m wrong. But I would never have guessed Covid and vaccines were completely misrepresented, or that Russia gate was a hoax, or that 51 former intelligence officers would sign a letter that they knew was a lie. I would never have believed that the FBI would ask for the Seth Rich laptop be kept secret for 60 years. Shall I continue? Need more examples? If you do we probably aren’t using the same data.
19.? are the fed and palantir not garden variety capitalism?
A waste of time and energy…
You a Democrat?
Spoken like a comfortable Republican. People who defend any part of a fake government don’t need to be heard or tolerated. Too many Americans have turned their brains off because they are comfortably existing in the status quo.
OTOH, the victims of the status quo are more credible and deserving of tolerance, but sometimes they make more victims with emotional, hurtful decisions that confirm that the abused are often abusers.
I am not American so I am not a Republican. I have read truly stupid and evil things done by Democrats and Republicans and truly admirable things done by either side as well. I think your system is sick and both major parties are corrupted by the power of big money and your dishonest lobbying system. But, there are both Democrats and Republicans with integrity despite the corruption of their systems.
I think your perspective is the essence of liberalism. The liberal state eschews collective accountability. The individual is the star of the show. By privatizing every public service, demonizing socialism and dismissing cries of social injustice, talk of systemic dysfunction is silenced.
The Democrats and Republicans with integrity are all on the other side of the grass. The donors own all of the “elected” representatives of the state.
All systems are dangerous when unregulated and unchecked including individualism.
I support respect for individual differences but have a traditional approach to systems which enable individuals to express, where appropriate, their individual natures but allow them to remain as a functioning part of the system of society.
The individual who runs rogue, like the cell, will ultimately destroy itself and its society. Individuals must be taught to respect the innate laws of nature and the world and to understand that we are all united, despite our individual differences and working for the good of all is a better goal than being purely self-serving.
As to demonizing socialism, Americans are peculiar in their ignorance because many equate socialism with communism, a long-dead system anyway, when socialism as social welfare exists in all developed nations, albeit minimally in the US and the States with the best social welfare systems offer their citizens the best quality of life. That is why Americans on average have the poorest quality of life of any developed nation.
The ignorance is a product of system narrative. Your equivocation about good and bad people is irrelevant. A toxic system permits corruption to consolidate power for a tiny minority who use power to make the status quo unassailable. America is devoted to individuals who run rogue.
Yes, I agree but, at the end of the day each individual needs to make a choice as to whether they are working for themselves or for everyone; for principles of justice or injustice.
i recommend listing some of the admirable things (to add some concrete positive notes).
No-one is ever all bad or all wrong, no person and no party. And sadly, all political parties in the West seem tainted by the same disease.
Intolerance is what made the Democrats use the judiciary to turn the U.S. into a banana republic.
You must still love Barack.
We have been far too tolerant of neocons and neolibs, who have demonstrated intolerance and an unwillingness to listen or have real conversations for far too long. It's well past due that the imperialists get the same energy they put out.
When you let yourself be dragged down to the base levels of the worst of others you are no better than them. An eye for an eye just makes people blind.
I would suggest that you look into the paradox of tolerance.
I am well aware of the human capacity to hold two conflicting views at the one time. To condemn intolerance in others and not see it in your own actions. All human qualities involve paradox. That is the problem.
I would suggest that it is precisely INTOLERANCE that has gotten us to this point. I agree with the first poster.
That’s pretty rich coming from a transphobic bigot.
Can you define "trans", Jasmine?
Calling people transphobic, for defending women's and girls' protected, sex-segregated spaces, for example, is as deceitful and as crudely manipulative as calling defenders of Palestine antisemitic.
Fuck o.ff, cvnt
i think you are putting up a straw man. the author tolerates the views on the list (like yours), but just choses to not engage. very often because she addressed these issues earlier and one can read her backlog.
If the choice is not to engage then why publish a list? What is the message? What is the point?
Why eradicate most Americans for supporting Republicans or Democrats?
one point would be to explain to other readers why the author tolerates certain bs in the comments, often meant to trigger and rehash a discussion for the umpteenth time, thus making people lose time and energy.
As I said before, we can choose where we spend our time but I fail to see why we need to publish a list dictating who will be punished and for what subjective crimes.
nobody is being 'punished'. if you have a new revolutionary take on why anyone should support the dems or worry about anti-semitism or the jewish conspiracy or the 'human shields' shields narrative or any of the other issues on the list, caitlin won't censor it and if it's really something that has never been addressed in any of the previous columns, she might address it anyway (unless one can tell from a mile the only intent is to annoy, of course).
Sorry, but I fail to see the point of publishing a list, which has unreasonable conditions and punishes those who do not comply in the first place.
The application of such conditions can be done in private. Why send out a warning? What is that meant to achieve? What in fact could it achieve?
What is served by a list which is based on, I will not consider anything anyone has to say about anything if they dare to hold the following positions? Or more accurately If I deem them to hold the following positions.
These places become echo chambers and it can go to the writer's head with plenty of acolytes cheering. It was an unwise and unreasonable post. That is the only point I make.
Bravo Caitlin! I commend you on your intellectual honesty (few people possess it, and even fewer are able to stick with it).
Thank you! (and BTW, I agree with EVERY one of your 31 surefire ways - it certainly does save a lot of time that should be spent on better/more fruitful conversations - something that I should learn from and keep in mind).
Intolerance and prejudice is not honest or intellectual. Not all Trump supporters or Democrats are wrong, bad, or deserving of dismissal.
If we do not listen to those who say what we do not like we will never learn.
??? You're not making any sense. Maybe you missed reading Caitlin's article?
I read it and it demonstrates intolerance. Let me explain.
It says: Easiest ways to make me lose all interest in everything you have to say
In other words, if you say something I do not like even if my opposition to it is reasonable, I will lose interest, dismiss, EVERYTHING you have to say.
That is imposing your views, beliefs, attitudes upon others and demanding that they meet your conditions before you will listen TO ANYTHING they have to say.
I prefer the maxim: I defend to my death your right to say what you think even if I disagree with you utterly.
I could go through the list and demonstrate why it is often unreasonable, intolerant, unfair, judgmental and censorship but you can do that if you put your thinking cap on.
And I would make the point, in terms of principles I agree with much Caitlin has listed, but in terms of the categorical dismissal based on her conditions, I can never agree.
For example, not all Democratics or Trump supporters are fools or wrong. Listen and learn is a wise maxim even if ultimately you reject.
Seems like you misunderstood Caitlin's article.
If you bother to follow Caitlin's work, you would realize that she has put IMMENSE amount of thought into her opinions/ideas/etc. To get to that level, one HAS to listen to opposing ideas, arguments, etc.
BUT -> after one goes through the process of analysis, critical thinking, deep thinking, etc. and reaches a level of intellectual rigorousness/logical validity/soundness of arguments, etc., one has to take the NEXT STEP.
The NEXT STEP is to stop wasting time arguing with people that DO NOT WANT to change their mind (or listen to different perspectives) under any circumstances. There is NOTHING to be gained here.
Eg. Please try convincing Trump why capitalism is bad. Is it worth your time?
THAT is what Caitlin's article is about. It's unfortunate that you did not get the gist of it.
You said it better than I did. Thank you. That is what I was talking about.
How is not listening "imposing"? I should think it is the opposite. Caitlin is talking about not bothering to listen to crap she's heard before and I don't bother with that kind of crap, either. If someone disagrees with me but is willing to discuss it intelligently, I will listen. But anyone who promotes capitalism and imperialism is not going to get a listen from me. I am a socialist and the aim of socialism is to overthrow capitalism.
Unfortunately the concept of willing to discuss it intelligently, is highly subjective. If Caitlin is talking about not bothering to listen to crap she’s heard before then why not say just that and not bother with a list? Anyone who categorically rejects all members of any group, ie. Democrats and Republicans, for any reason is not simply talking about bothering to listen to crap heard before.
If you are a social welfare socialist which is what virtually every developed nation but the US is, then fear not, the world is well on its way.
If you are a socialism as in communism socialist then we have clear evidence that system is a total failure.
There is no need to overthrow capitalism, just regulate it. Americans have the poorest quality of life on average in the developed world because the US does not regulate Capitalism and other developed nations do.
By all means work to control Capitalism but since it is a part of human nature and always has been, far, far more than Communism, the sensible thing is to make it work. If other nations can make it work better than Americans do then the problem is not Capitalism but the United States.
just out of curiosity: can you list the numbers that would apply to yourself (besides 2 and 13).
is there a maxim that says any pundit has a duty to listen to everyone's opinion, even if they are already familiar with it? it would make one very vulnerable to ddos attacks.
Roslyn Ross, Did you stop to think that if Caitlin is "intolerant" she would have banned all of the filth and prejudices some of you post here?
I merely dealt with the statements made above. I did not say she was intolerant in general.
Well said Indu!
If you consider that Roslyn is not making any sense, please explain what it is that you consider not to be sensible. Otherwise, please delete your comment as it becomes no more than an opinionated and, in my view, flawed observaton followed by a question which would seem more likely to refer to your comment than to hers.
Here is an explanation: There is no mention of "intolerance" or "prejudice" in Caitlin's article.
It is a matter on "where to spend the limited resources" everyone has.
Do you want to spend it with/on someone that is not interested in discussing subjects in good faith, is incredibly biased and unable to think critically and is not intellectually honest?
Caitlin's article is about "allocation of resources" for maximum impact. Hope you understand now.
I understand the principles, stated and implied, HOWEVER, it is still judgmental and censorship.
She says: Easiest ways to make me lose all interest in everything you have to say.
Which says, I have conditions and I demand you meet them or I will reject EVERYTHING you have to say.
I think everyone is worth hearing and when we select who we will hear, we create an echo chamber which imprison us and our thinking.
I fully understand that time must be managed, but the statement and the list remains censorship.
You said: Do you want to spend it with/on someone that is not interested in discussing subjects in good faith, (SUBJECTIVE JUDGMENT) is incredibly biased (SUBJECTIVE JUDGEMENT )and unable to think critically (SUBJECTIVE JUDGMENT) and is not intellectually honest (SUBJECTIVE JUDGMENT) ?
Censorship is preventing a person or persons from being heard or read or witnessed. Caitlin is censoring nobody. She has listened, has heard and concluded that she’s heard enough. It is completely subjective and instructive. You maybe missed her point.
Your proposed method doesn’t take into account people’s limited time and stamina. Also, those interested in informing people and/or starting a movement would spend all their time talking to the likes of Majorie Taylor Green. Yes, I would censor people like that from my discussions because I only have so much time. To be blunt, the liberal line that you have to listen to everyone or everyone has something worth hearing is bullshit and services only to distract those who actually have some cogent thoughts to share.
>>"Which says, I have conditions and I demand you meet them or I will reject EVERYTHING you have to say."
NOPE!
You obviously haven't bothered to spend time reading Caitlin's work. If you had, you would understand what she's saying.
Like I explained in my other comment to you, Caitlin's ALREADY put in the work (unlike many others) into understanding the subjects being discussed. The question is about: wasting time and using resources wisely.
>>"I think everyone is worth hearing"
Sure, please spend your time hearing/listening to Benjamin Netanyahu and the likes of him.
Most people have a life (and better things to do with it) than listening to EVERYONE.
Thank you but I don’t need your explanation or your assistance to understand Caitlin’s article. That is why I said what I did in my first sentence. However, the remainder of what I said is also true. It is not uncommon when individuals feel strongly about ‘whatever’ for them to lose focus and make statements that are incorrect, imprecise or sometimes even redolent of the sorts of claims they would decry.
You asked me >>"If you consider that Roslyn is not making any sense, please explain what it is that you consider not to be sensible."
And I replied >>"Roslyn's comment makes NO SENSE in the context of this article"
Why? Because she misinterpreted Caitlin's article. I elucidated HOW she misinterpreted the article (i.e. the article is NOT about Caitlin not listening or being prejudicial or intolerant (as she is falsely accused of by Roslyn), but about wise time-management, allocation of limited resources on what is most important to Caitlin, and intellectual honesty).
Wow, did you steal this list right out of my brain?
“26. Automatically assume the mass media are always lying”
Really? I think that this is a perfectly reasonable position to take. First, assume they’re lying. Why? Past evidence proves this to be the case most of the time. Then, when necessary, investigate their claims to ascertain if there may be some truth to them. This is simply following the precautionary principle based on ample knowledge of mass media malfeasance.
Yep. On the rare occasions when the mass media does tell the truth, we'll figure it out pretty quickly and get to feel the positive emotion of a pleasant surprise.
That's much better than the constant surprise I see in so many when they ask out loud why the media would lie to THEM and then act all hurt about it.
1 and 2 are hard for many in the United States because those people haven't woken up, there really isn't an excuse. Quite simply there are two things people do not understand about why you should support neither party. Firstly, blaming the other party always for the problem is a sign of immaturity, just like it is the same for a relationship. Secondly it highlights the fact that the parties don't work well together...well my statement isn't true, they work well together...against the interest of the people.
26...The mass media isn't always lying, but they lie often enough to where they would appear to be like the boy who cried wolf. It isn't fair, but when you hire ex government in journalism, there surely is a conflict of interest when there is so much propaganda.
I find everything stated to be very reasonable in this article. What people fail to realize is that most of the people who disagree with these things either are believing a narrative presented by a side or they lack basic compassion. There is the possibility of being ignorant but you have written about being an adult who has the internet and can do research. I think the most sobering thing in the article is the part about researching against one's own bias. Something I try to do but some times I don't recognize my biases, I remain open to them being challenged and here many have given me insight that I may overlook.
Once again an incisive, straight forward and precise vision. I love you Caitlin and Tim.
No, it isn't. Unfortunately, while Caitlin has, in my opinion, strong insight and positive moral sensibility, my experience is that she can also be extremely dogmatic and prone to generalisations which, by definition, do not apply to many.
Talk about dogma.
No nukes. Fuck all politicians.
This honestly seems like a MAGA person who's mad she doesn't defend Daddy Trump
From the perspective of a Muslim Palestinian, the focus on "shitting on trans people" as a standalone moral offense might seem disconnected from the existential struggles many people face daily. I come from a community where we’re fighting to survive under occupation, enduring bombings, apartheid policies, and the theft of our land. Poverty is widespread, infrastructure is destroyed, and children are growing up in refugee camps with no hope for a better future. I am one of the lucky ones to have had education. And yet, somehow, your main concern is ensuring nobody says anything that could offend trans people?
I don’t support the concept of "trans" as it contradicts my beliefs, culture, and understanding of human nature. Why should I? Respect doesn’t mean blind acceptance of Western ideologies imposed on the rest of the world. Just as you have the freedom to critique religion, capitalism, or Zionism, I should have the freedom to reject ideas that don’t align with my values. That’s free speech, isn’t it?
And let’s be real—people have the right to “shit on” other people’s ideas. Palestinians criticize Jews and Zionism because we are oppressed by the Israeli state. Yemenis have every right to call out those funding their suffering. Why should trans people be treated as an untouchable category immune to critique? If criticizing people or ideas is off-limits, how will you stand against injustice, oppression, or exploitation in any form?
While you’re hand-wringing over someone misgendering someone else, millions of us are dying, starving, or living in fear. Maybe your priorities need a little recalibration because the world isn’t burning because of "transphobia".
Wake up—transphobia is the new antisemitism, weaponized to silence dissent and blur the line between critique and hate.
Hi Layla (beautiful name)
As a Pagan, I personally have nothing against trans people. But I’m not going to deify them either.
As in the rest of society, there are kind, good-hearted trans people and ones who are dishonest all-around crappy people. And I’m not giving the latter a break just because they’re “trans”. They are NOT special.
I respect the freedom to believe or not believe in religion, but I disagree with extreme views, such as advocating, as some atheists are, for the banning of religious places like mosques and churches. Similarly, while I don't have any animosity toward transgender individuals, I find it difficult to accept extreme ideologies that would label me transphobic for simply keeping my hijab on in the presence of a man who identifies as a woman, because it offends them. My beliefs are about mutual respect, not forcing others to conform to ideologies.
Hi Layla
As a Pagan, I have a deep spirituality; I merely believe that Nature is the “higher power”. I am not an atheist.
I believe that everyone deserves freedom to practice the religion of their choice, as long as it doesn’t infringe on the rights of others, such as are the extreme rightwing “Christian” Zionists. They’re a true threat to the world.
Agreed. I appreciate your perspective on spirituality and the importance of respecting everyone's right to practice their beliefs. Religion should not infringe on others' rights. The extreme views you mention, particularly those tied to political ideologies, are concerning. Obviously, Islamic fundamentalism included.
Transphobia is a real issue. Trans people are victims of violent claims at a large rate. Trans people (and the rest of the LGBTQ+ Community) are disproportionately at risk of being unhoused. Trans kids suffer from high rates of suicide. This is a real and serious problem.
And this isn't comparing what Trans people in the US suffer with what you as a Palestinian suffer. I don't believe in comparing people's suffering. But just because one group is suffering doesn't erase the other group suffering.
And here's the thing, you don't have to fully accept or agree with Trans people if you believe it contradicts your religious beliefs, but don't promote hatred or bigotry or discrimination against them.
What is an atheist behavior?
You would think after the murder and dehumanization of your people, you’d learn not do to dehumanize another group of people. Especially a group that’s never done anything wrong to you. I understand yall have it much harder, but that doesn’t mean no other oppressed people have a right to exist.
It seems you're misunderstanding my point. Where in my statement did I dehumanize anyone? Criticizing certain behaviors or ideologies doesn’t equate to dehumanizing individuals. If I criticize certain atheist behaviors, it doesn’t mean I dehumanize atheists people. My focus is on the larger issues at play, not attacking anyone’s humanity. Criticizing an ideology doesn't equate to dehumanizing people. My concern is that focusing on culture wars, like "shitting on trans people," distracts from the larger systemic issues that affect everyone. Palestinians, or anyone, can reject ideologies that clash with their values without denying anyone’s humanity. It's about prioritizing the most pressing struggles and fighting for all oppressed peoples, not reducing everything to identity politics.
Frankly, your response reminds me of those Zionists who cry "antisemitism" at any criticism of their actions. Please, we are Palestinians—we know too well what real dehumanization looks like. Let’s not conflate critique with hate.
I have a 32. Takes a pseudo-intellectual position that the problem in Gaza is Israel and its president, which the Americans can’t control.
The problem is Israel and its president and its system of government and America has such a ZOG it cannot control Israel.
The US is the superpower my friend. Israel does the bidding of the US. That’s the reason it exists. They want you to believe Israel is the bad guy and the US is somehow under their control. In reality, Israel is a colony, created by Britain and the US. AIPAC keeps the politicians in line and they launder our tax money through the endless wars. They also steal oil. We’ve been stealing Iraq’s and Syria’s oil for quite a while. The spoils of war.
Dear Caitlin, Thank you. Every single point you have made makes me happy that I am following you. Every single point you have made, I have found out for myself to be the truth. This truth will invariably lead us to a just and caring worldview.
"17. Shit on trans people"
Usefully vague. Can you define what "trans"means? A young woman trying to escape being female in a patriarchal society? A middle-aged man who is sexually aroused at the thought of being a teenage a girl?
When women defend their right to privacy, dignity and safety and seek to preserve their protected, sex-segregated spaces, is that shitting on trans people?
Is saying "Sex is immutable. Men cannot be women" shitting on trans people?
You couldn't be more right and no little girl (teen, woman, or any female) should have to share a bathroom with a grown man or expect to find a grown man there!! That's why I gave up the Target store many years ago... haven't been back in over a decade.
We all know the implication about what you're saying is that Trans women (or men pretending to be Trans women) are going to rape the women and girls in those bathrooms.
So, two questions:
1. Can you actually name a time that happened?
2. Can you explain why a rapist would need to pretend to be Trans in order to rape someone when we live in a society that treats rapists better than Trans people?
Great strawman. And, yes, it has happened. But even if it hasn't been "rape", that isn't the only reason to object to this.
"..society that treats rapists better than Trans people?"
Absurd shrill nonsense.
"Great strawman"
Where exactly?
"And, yes, it has happened."
Then why can't you name a single time it's happened?
"But even if it hasn't been "rape", that isn't the only reason to object to this."
Then please name another one beyond you just not liking it.
"Absurd shrill nonsense."
In our society, very few SA crimes are actually prosecuted. And whenever there is a case, there are always people (even those with actual power) saying "oh, it didn't happen, she's lying" or "oh, maybe she deserved it, look at what she's wearing" or "he's a nice boy, we shouldn't ruin his life over one mistake". On the other hand, Trans people suffer from violent crimes, suicide, poverty, homelessness, discrimination and bigotry.
You can assume implications all day long (interesting, the one you immediately go to), however, I spoke clearly. No female, regardless of age, should have to share a LADIES ROOM with a man, or expect to find a man there!! No implications or further explanation needed. No sound-minded or honorable man would put himself in a position to be sharing a LADIES ROOM with little girls, teen girls or women.
First, we all know what the implication of what you're saying is so don't even try to pretend otherwise.
Second, you haven't actually presented an argument about WHY it's a problem a vague nebulous idea of "men shouldn't be sharing a ladies room", which is just a distortion and you know it.
Third, there actually aren't any men sharing a ladies room because Trans women aren't men.
Fourth, I'm curious about where you think Trans Men should go. Because something tells me you'd also object to them being in the women's restroom.
Anyone with an appendage should not be in a LADIES ROOM. Why? Because they're men. It's as simple as that. Your view is clearly different than mine. I will side with God and common sense every time.
If I put on a lion mask, I am not a lion. If I enter a lion's den, they will know the truth and respond accordingly. No amount of senseless babble about my believing I'm a lion will change their minds. The truth is simple and cannot be changed. I'd just be a nut job in a lion's den with a lion mask on.
Your argument is cyclical, and I will not indulge your distorted view of reality. I wish you all the best, but will not engage further.
First, you pretty much exposed yourself by mentioning "I side with God" as a religious fanatic (even though the Bible doesn't say anything about Trans people and as far as I know neither does the Quran).
Second, there are Intersex people. Are they not supposed to use any bathroom because they don't clearly present according to your view of man or woman?
Third, your analogy misses the entire point.
Fourth, I love how you didn't actually respond to any of my other points.
Fifth, "I will not indulge your distorted view of reality. I wish you all the best, but will not engage further."
Translation: "You're not buying my anti-Trans arguments, so I'm going to run away like a coward"
We all know the implication about what you're saying is that Trans women (or men pretending to be Trans women) are going to rape the women and girls in those bathrooms.
So, two questions:
1. Can you actually name a time that happened?
2. Can you explain why a rapist would need to pretend to be Trans in order to rape someone when we live in a society that treats rapists better than Trans people?
Nope, rape is just one the crimes facilitated my allowing men in women’s and girls’ protected, sex-segregated spaces.
Women and girls have a right to privacy, dignity and safety. Any man who violates women’s and girls’ boundaries is a predator.
However, in answer to your question:
https://metro.co.uk/2019/03/16/transgender-woman-18-sexually-assaulted-girl-10-morrisons-toilet-8914577/
If a rapist is actually going to rape someone, they aren't going to let something like a bathroom sign stop them. And why would rapists need to pretend to be Trans when we live in a society that treats rapists better than Trans people.
Also, your "source" is a tabloid associated with the Daily Mail. So I have no reason to take your claim seriously.
The "source" is a court hearing.
Any man who violates women's boundaries is a predator.
Convicted trans rapists are being housed in women's prisons. Does that happen to rapists who don't claim to be the opposite sex? Who is being treated better?
https://transcrimeuk.com/2019/02/02/katie-dolatowski/
First, no. Your "source" was a right-wing tabloid associated with the Daily Mail and Rupert Murdoch.
Second, you're making that up. Trans people who are convicted of crimes get sent to the prisons of the gender they were born in. Where they are then the victims of violent crimes.
You are a liar trying to push a bigoted agenda.
Your perverted mind takes you weird places.
She is a communist. She supports the lie and trans is the biggest lie there is.
Anything to dehumanize and demonize people. Newsflash: the entire population isn't cisgender. Deal with it.
There is no such thing as "cis" gender. Deal with it.
Yes there is. You living in fantasy land doesn't change the facts.
"Cisgender" only exits if you believe that people can be born in the wrong body, a non-sensical, quasi-religious delusion, indicating a pathological mind-body split.
We are our bodies.
Caitlyn Jenner
For me too, it is very difficult to be interested in the thoughts of people who ignore Gaza. But there is a major problem here. Of the people living in empire-controlled countries, AT LEAST 80% ignore Gaza. This is a source of severe and chronic psychological stress.
Hear, hear! The ones who bore me to distraction are those who don't think, but know everything! The true believers!
Those who claim that the USA is a democracy can FOAD, too.
I am so grateful you are in this world. Your presence is part of what lets me know that I am not out there all on my own as some kind of crazy person.
Seriously.
Thank you so much for having the courage and grit and persistence to be you and say it out loud. <3
Agree but I’d add ‘blame all ills on Muslims” & “that all Muslims are terrorists, sexual predators…. (Add whatever you want)”