I don't really disagree with you, except maybe on some finer points. For example,
"...Let's say tomorrow someone walks up to you and gives you an iron clad case against abortion. You listen, open mindedly, and think "holy crap this person has a point". But how much of what you are is bound up in pro choice activism? You probably have (activist!) friends who are suddenly gonna say "Yikes what happened to Lirpa?" Heck you're probably going to say to yourself! That's gonna be a barrier for you in being convinced by an argument. Even a correct argument. But what if you were "just" a voter. No one's gonna shame you for changing your mind, because you don't tell people what you believe in the first place."
I agree with your overall observation -- that not being so vocal (as activists tend to be) about one's views makes it easier to remain open-minded and avoid the potential embarrassment or hesitation in admitting when you've changed your mind, or even allowing yourself to change your mind in the first place.
I assure you, though, I've gone through all of the changes I mentioned in the post very publicly and without much hesitation not only in being open to the new ideas, but announcing when I've adopted them. While I'm not a Christian, I am somewhat of a general evangelist at heart, which I realize isn't always a good thing! But it's definitely an *activist* thing. It has cost me lost of friends and acquaintances and made things very uncomfortable with certain family members, for sure! Aside from attending marches or rallies on occasion, I don't organize with any activist groups anymore. It is exhausting work and often includes a lot of drama and paranoia that I'm just not interested in anymore.
Ultimately I think we need all types of people, as annoying as many of them can be in different stages of development, but like you say, there needs to be a good balance, and I think you make a compelling argument that that balance is not in place right now.
What can I say? I've always wanted to believe in something. I just didn't always wait to actually decide whether or not I truly believed the things before I declared said belief to the world (or got it tattooed on my arm).
Losing 10 lbs per week is crazy. That’s a calorie deficit of 5000 calories per day, which is like walking over 50 miles every day. Or you were just dehydrated...
I just straight up didn't eat more than maybe scrambled eggs for like 3 weeks straight and walked miles and miles. The adrenaline took my appetite and the idea of eating became repulsive for awhile. I eventually gained some back, but I stayed very slim for awhile due to the walking. I cannot fully express just how much walking I did during that time period lol. It was constant.
Hi Amos! Thanks for commenting.
I don't really disagree with you, except maybe on some finer points. For example,
"...Let's say tomorrow someone walks up to you and gives you an iron clad case against abortion. You listen, open mindedly, and think "holy crap this person has a point". But how much of what you are is bound up in pro choice activism? You probably have (activist!) friends who are suddenly gonna say "Yikes what happened to Lirpa?" Heck you're probably going to say to yourself! That's gonna be a barrier for you in being convinced by an argument. Even a correct argument. But what if you were "just" a voter. No one's gonna shame you for changing your mind, because you don't tell people what you believe in the first place."
I agree with your overall observation -- that not being so vocal (as activists tend to be) about one's views makes it easier to remain open-minded and avoid the potential embarrassment or hesitation in admitting when you've changed your mind, or even allowing yourself to change your mind in the first place.
I assure you, though, I've gone through all of the changes I mentioned in the post very publicly and without much hesitation not only in being open to the new ideas, but announcing when I've adopted them. While I'm not a Christian, I am somewhat of a general evangelist at heart, which I realize isn't always a good thing! But it's definitely an *activist* thing. It has cost me lost of friends and acquaintances and made things very uncomfortable with certain family members, for sure! Aside from attending marches or rallies on occasion, I don't organize with any activist groups anymore. It is exhausting work and often includes a lot of drama and paranoia that I'm just not interested in anymore.
Ultimately I think we need all types of people, as annoying as many of them can be in different stages of development, but like you say, there needs to be a good balance, and I think you make a compelling argument that that balance is not in place right now.
Interesting piece. I look forward to reading the Occupy follow up, as I recall watching in real time that entire movement being destroyed by idpol.
It might be a few weeks, but it's in the works! Thanks for reading 😊
I’m deeply impressed by your courage in having strong political convictions before you had the knowledge to justify them...
What can I say? I've always wanted to believe in something. I just didn't always wait to actually decide whether or not I truly believed the things before I declared said belief to the world (or got it tattooed on my arm).
Thankfully, we get wiser as we age.
I hope.
Losing 10 lbs per week is crazy. That’s a calorie deficit of 5000 calories per day, which is like walking over 50 miles every day. Or you were just dehydrated...
I just straight up didn't eat more than maybe scrambled eggs for like 3 weeks straight and walked miles and miles. The adrenaline took my appetite and the idea of eating became repulsive for awhile. I eventually gained some back, but I stayed very slim for awhile due to the walking. I cannot fully express just how much walking I did during that time period lol. It was constant.
"I listened to Rush every day with Grandma "
Didn't he use harsh, crass, rude, crude and vulgar language?
Lol, yes! Although tbh, I don't remember much of that from those early days.
I loved listening to this