Ranty Rawi ... Weaponisation and victimisation works against your cause
Whoo boy, am I in a ranty mood again. Doesn’t really help given the recent climate, both natural and social. Breaking my barrier and being more aware of certain things in social space of course has me witness some unsettling thought processes and frankly, it’s tiring. It’s draining to see the insanity of people shouting loudly about who’s the next best thing. It’s infuriating to watch people being used as tools and tokens to bolster one’s self-perceived power and reach.
Just take a look at any heated social discussions. On one side, bull-headed preservationists of the status quo, afraid of anything that could even smell of change. Self-perceived supremacists of their one and only truth of “It’s always been this way and it works so why change it?” And if you somehow manage to push the change through, suddenly they rise up and break everything, even if it benefits them. Because anything that breaks their unity is wrong.
And then you look at the other side and what do you see. Blind-folded, laser focused runners of progression at all costs. Naive and arrogant in their pursuit of “rights for everyone”, even for those who don’t care and would happily cut their throats. But don’t dare to question their views for you’ll be blamed as an “oppressor” or “dictator” or the “enemy of the people” and must be stopped at all costs. Self-proclaimed protectors and defenders of the “oppressed” by the system”, heroically fighting for the rights of everyone.
I look at these two paragraphs and I can’t help but ask myself “Where’s the difference? Why does neither make me feel safe?” I mean, the former is somewhat obvious why but why not the latter? Why do I feel uncomfortable around those who claim to fight for my justice?
Then I start seeing one common trait between both groups described here; they’re both victims. The former is a victim of their fear of change. Anything that upsets their world is an attack on who they are and what they’re used to. The latter are victim of the majority keeping them quiet. They want to be heard and seen and that requires a change. And this conflict keeps escalating to the point where there are members of both groups promoting radical solutions. Doesn’t matter what happens and how painful that solution it may be. They only care for a result that benefits THEM. Without any regard for collateral damage. They start gathering power through like-minded people, creating “personality cults” and “communities” (note the quotes) focused only on destroying each other instead of promoting the original cause.
But where does it stop? We all know the “slippery slope” theory. And that slope can be extremely slippery because
Spite is a strong motivator but a cruel overlord. Handling it irresponsibly will only bring more misery.
And through spite we reach a point where either side is insane in their reckless pursuit, leaving those who need them abandoned and thrown away like used tools. But the spite is already ruling and it needs fuel. It needs enemies. And once the external threat is dealt with, through significant reduction or worse, extermination, the inner threat comes to play. And where do you draw the line here? Who makes the rules?
See where I’m going? Two side, two opposing views, both reaching the same end, same tyranny; one caused by chase for impossible purity, the other by weaponising the good of the many. The only difference here is the excuse to reach their goal.
So when I say that I’m not here to be used as someone’s soldier or a token, this is what I’m talking about. I’m an individual with my own mind and identity. I decide whether your cause and methods are just or whether you only appropriate them in your arrogant pursuit. I don’t care how much honey you smear over my face in an attempt to win me over. For I’m not interested in your view. I’m only interested in the cause. And just like hold the proverbial knife to the throat of those who put me in danger, I’ll hold that same to your throat if you try and take responsibility for my well-being. And believe me, I don’t need much to have that proverbial knife to make the cut.
R.R.A.