And by ‘mature manner’ I mean, without resorting to name calling, being illogical, unreasonable .etc
I’ve recently tried addressing the immigration issue and as expected, three people just came at me emotionally charged than simply discussing the issue I’ve had with it. I’ve seen what I’ve seen, read what I’ve read of it and nothing I believe that I have a problem with it is being stemmed from some underlying hatred towards a group of people.
My problem with it is the prioritization and lack of regulation in regards to immigration. It is a serious issue. But god forbid you want to talk of it, people resort to “U XENOPHOBIC” or “WE ALL WER IMMIGRANTS AT ONE POINT!”. Just completely wiffing on the issue I’ve already presented with it.
What is this subject for you?
Most political issues are a waste of time even trying to talk about on social media, because people on all sides love their echo chambers, and any reasonable argument from a different viewpoint is met with consternation, rather than a healthy debate.
Generally agree with this, and I say this as a Marxist debate pervert. However, I have managed to win over people, so it isn’t all a waste.
How did you win them over?
I have some small discussions with Cowbee and my experience was that he’s much more reasonable to talk to than most other people with similar viewpoints.
Different from person to person. Usually someone comes in with misconceptions surrounding Marxism, AES, Capitalism, or some other subject I happen to have read up on enough to speak on. I try to correct said misconceptions, non-confrontationally. Then, it can go a few ways:
They respond extremely hostilely, and I’ll admit I’m not always level-headed in response
They are receptive, at which point I offer a an article or two, or maybe even a full reading list
They are semi-receptive, but don’t actually bother countering my points, just asserting Marxism is “wrong” or something along those lines, which is tiring and generally goes nowhere
They are a “Marxist” but haven’t read theory. By far the least receptive, so confidently incorrect. These are where the “Marx was an Anarchist” or “the PRC isn’t Socialist” types reside, and are extremely hostile usually as well. These types cannot be reached unless they agree to read theory. Regretably, I used to be one of these kinds of people…
AES-sympathetic Anarchists. One of my favorites to talk to, usually semi-familiar to full-on familiar with Marxism, genuine conversations can be had and disagreed upon
Anti-AES Anarchists. Usually fall in between category 3 and 4, usually exhausting to talk to and only believe one style of leftism to be “pure enough,” while playing into the hands of US Imperialism. Usually not at all familiar with Marxist theory.
Honestly, it’s more of a lottery on an individual by individual basis. However, by consistently pushing back against misunderstandings, myths, and other problems, more people tend to be able to be receptive to Marxism.
Why do you ask?