A lot of replies here (obviously from people not already aware of The Discourse on this point) were genuinely confused variants on “But why, they’re right, that’s a valid concern.” Let me leave a short thread for future readers explaining why that stuff is always unwelcome on here. (1/n)
It’s totally understandable if you’re dooming about any facet of the American experiment right now. So your feelings are “valid” in the sense that they represent real anxiety, and I get that. But to vent that anxiety in other people’s spaces is wrong for three reasons.
First, it’s factually wrong. There will be elections in 2026 and 2028 under Trump, just like there were elections last year under Trump and during his first term. This despite one of the two major parties now harboring a lot of anti-democratic elements and ideas.
I’m not particularly interested in convincing anyone on this point and won’t try, the future is the future. But if the left side of the political spectrum is still the domain of scholarship and expertise, take note that you don’t find scholars and experts you worrying about canceled US elections.
Second, and probably most importantly, it’s tactically wrong. “No point discussing political opposition to fascism, there won’t be elections anyway” cedes victory to your enemies. It’s defeatism and nihilism.
Finally, it’s wrong AS A MATTER OF ETIQUETTE. Entering a total stranger’s discussion and leading with your private anxiety is as off-putting in social media replies as it would be in real life. If you wouldn’t interrupt a stranger at a party to announce that America is doomed, don’t do it here.
If you are anxious and sad about the state of the world, that’s fine, and there are plenty of strategies for dealing with that. But I think you already know that drive-by online dooming isn’t a strategy. It’s selfish and adolescent. It’s a contagion that only spreads the worst of you, not the best.
Take a second and think before posting the easy Eeyore reply. You might have something substantive to say instead. Or, even better, you can say nothing at all.
https://bsky.app/profile/kenjennings.bsky.social/post/3mbuedepurs2x
No, he’s right about the etiquette. You might not realise it if that’s how you genuinely feel, especially if you talk mainly with like minded people, but it’s true.
The closest I’ve come in actual conversation is when someone has a habit of bringing up horrible things from their life or past on the most tenuous of connections. I don’t want your depression to depress me, I’m sorry.
But more important, he’s right tactically. Doomerism is the wrong tactic.
I get that you’re depressed or whatever, but like ew. Just be happy!
Do you think it’s not OK to want time off from a depressed person’s conversations about unhappy they are (for example)? Because it sounds like that’s what you’re saying, even if it’s not what you mean.
Ohmygawwwduh, can you just like stop talking about how you’re sad? Just stop whining and smile!
I see, you’re too brain damaged to read a reply and say something in response
I’m not sorry that people who are suffering aren’t pretending to have perfect lives for your precious comfort.
Don’t be. Instead you should be sorry that you’re continuously mis-representing what I’m saying with no effort to understand.
I hope every person you meet trauma-dumps on you constantly until you get your head out of your ass.
I hope one day you understand that people don’t go through suffering just to irritate you.
When have I said or implied that they do?