Thread by @narceducator

This tweet hit a nerve because recently I’ve recalled an incident from early in my life, a time when I felt manipulative deceit. Although it was not directly dangerous to my health, I got a small glimpse of the manipulative power of governments over people.

https://twitter.com/politvidchannel/status/1313172336053415936

In the early 80s a gymnast from the Soviet Union wanted to make a trade for one of my leotards. I said I’d trade for her track suit jacket. My 🇨🇦 hockey loving dad would think the rival CCCP insignia was cool. When I met her for the trade she seemed scared, the CCCP was removed.

While this Soviet gymnast didn’t have a choice, I distinctly remember the feeling of being deliberately deceived. In my heart I knew it wasn’t her fault so I gave up a beautiful (expensive) leotard for a sterile red jacket with no Soviet insignia.

My coach defected from Czechoslovakia during the World Expo in Montreal in 1967. I was well versed in East Bloc training methods and psychological control by the time I made the 🇨🇦 national team at age 15. I had travelled to both Bulgaria and Czechoslovakia (without my coach).

I’ve seen first hand the behavior of people living under a government run by a lack of freedoms, deliberate deception, psychological manipulation, fear & intimidation.

This ridiculous stunt gave me a reminiscent feeling of deceit.

Imagine if these psychopaths were competent.

https://twitter.com/andrewfeinberg/status/1312587904015835142