http://www.mcgilldaily.com/2014/11/everything-problematic/
"One way to define the difference between a regular belief and a sacred
belief is that people who hold sacred beliefs think it is morally wrong
for anyone to question those beliefs. If someone does question those
beliefs, they’re not just being stupid or even depraved, they’re
actively doing violence. They might as well be kicking a puppy."
"I watched what people said closely, scanning for objectionable content.
Any infraction reflected badly on your character, and too many might
put you on my blacklist."
"Thinking this way quickly divides the world into an ingroup and an
outgroup — believers and heathens, the righteous and the wrong-teous."
"the activists I knew and I tended to denigrate ourselves more than
anything. It wasn’t about us, it was about the desperately needed work
we were doing, it was about the people we were trying to help. The
danger of the crusader mentality is that it turns the world in a battle
between good and evil. Actions that would otherwise seem extreme and
crazy become natural and expected."
"It was only when I finally gave myself permission to be selfish, after
months and months of grinding on despite being horribly burnt out, that I
eventually achieved the critical distance to rethink my political
beliefs."
"Almost by accident, I took time off from being an activist. ... A world that seemed grey and hopeless filled with colour. I can’t convey to you how bleak my worldview was. ... Losing my political ideology was extremely liberating. I became a happier person. I also believe that I became a better person."
"I don’t want to just criticize without offering an alternative. So, let
me give a few pieces of constructive advice to anyone interested in
anti-oppressive and/or leftist activism.
First, embrace humility. You may find it refreshing. Others will find it
refreshing too. Be forceful, be impassioned, just don’t get too high on
your own supply. Don’t drink your own kool aid. Question yourself as
fiercely as you question society."
"Third, learn to be diplomatic. Not everything is a war of good versus evil. ... get used to disagreement. When it comes to moral disagreements,
disbelief, anger, and a sense of urgency are to be expected. They are
inherent parts of moral disagreement. That’s what makes a diplomatic
touch so necessary."
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