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Andra Jenkin's avatar

I have been needing this. I too get quickly oppositional with those I can see are not able to see the logic behind information that has debunked bad theories. This, despite the fact I've entertained a few myself. I can be intellectually honest about whether I've used good sources to find out about a popular conspiracy theory, and find it confronting when others are not. Or when they trust superdumbwebsite.com etc.

Your post this week helps keep the end goal in perspective, so thank you for your efforts, they are appreciated and necessary.

Like trying to talk a jumper off a bridge, telling them they're an idiot for being up on the rails isn't going to get a good result. So that's how I'm going to think of these people. A brain on the edge, approach with caution and kindness. Talk them down.

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Vitally Useless's avatar

This is chock full of wonderful information that I know I will never put into practice because I respectfully disagree with Mr. West on the notion that conspiracy theorists are basically good people. I've said before that QAnon theorists as a whole are usually homophobic, transphobic, racist, misogynists with a heap of Anti-Semitism thrown in for spice. I'd like to think that the basic definition of a good person would not include any of the above characteristics and therefore I tend to think of them as a lost cause until they prove me wrong. Mr. West must have the patience of a Saint to engage with these people and I'm happy that someone with a level head is out there fighting the good fight.

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