Thread by @JuliusGoat

Yes the story is a risible fake but it also reveals that what these people fear most is public shaming for their rotten beliefs.

No matter how they twist and trim their self-justifications, their worldview boils down "people like me matter, and other people don't" and criticism exposes that.

They know it.

Isn't it strange, they care for our approval, but we don't care for theirs?

I don't fear criticism or opposition from people w/worldviews belittling to our shared humanity. I expect it.

Psychologically it costs me nothing. I know their cause is bad.

But the reverse costs them something. This reveals that on some level they also know their cause is bad.

They feel like they need to be quiet or they'll be treated as if they believe something indecent and wrong.

But they *do* believe something indecent and wrong. They *should* feel that way.

They know it on some level.

It's our duty to remind them.

They don't have to be quiet and cautious, and they aren't. They're public and loud. The president and judiciary and law enforcement whole news channels cater just to them. They had a rally last night.

A black woman has to be cautious. A trans man needs to be cautious. Not them.

But people with harmful and abusive worldviews hate paying social cost—the only cost they'll likely ever face.

The reason we should make them pay it is, it works.

They hate paying any cost.

Racists started whispering slurs b/c they were debated out of racism? No. They just learned they'd be treated as if they were the sort of people who say slurs.

Which is what they are.

They'd like to not know it, but they know it.

And we'll tell them.

They'll claim they're being excluded and marginalized and persecuted.

Ask them what laws keep them out of what bathrooms.
Or invalidate their marriages and parenthood.
Or ban them from travel.
Or steal their children to be raised by strangers.
Ask them which cops they fear.

Really. Ask them.

Ask them.

Make them tell you what cost they face beyond criticism.

Ask them what makes them fear that criticism so much.

Don't debate against their positions. Rather, ask them what makes them debate in defense of their stated position.

Really. Ask them.

Ask them to state their position.

Then just look at them and listen as they say it. Let them say it as long as they want. Let them just play it out.

Then

It isn't necessary to pretend an awful belief isn't awful. The devil has plenty of advocates. He doesn't need the rest of us.

They know the truth, but they fear hearing it.

Tell them.

If you value civility, that's great! Civility is good!

Tell them politely.