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Your point is quite timely @spottydog about echo chambers. I live in a blue (like 80% blue) county in a red state.
I participate in a Facebook group of over 3k parents in our area. The group obviously slanted liberal but it doesn't bother me - the group is where you ask "what Santa is the best" and "what do you think of xyz swim lessons". There has always been a rule against hate speech that would get you banned but for the most part, it was quite civil. Last Weds, the founder (who runs things like a mini dictator) posted a new mission statement. The group is now "pro-choice, pro-BLM, pro-LGBTQI and same sex marriage, pro-Muslim, etc". Many of us were stunned and asked if we could still stay (while hundreds of other posted "yay, thanks for being on the right side!"). It was a mess. I am actually "pro" several of those causes but it is troubling to me that all of a sudden a parenting group espouses political views.
I asked if shutting down political debate was what they wanted or if it would create an echo chamber and I got "good, that's what we want. Hate isn't a political position..." Um, ok, you can holding differing positions and not use hateful speech...
Also...they completely failed to see the irony in their post. They were trying to be uber "liberal" and inclusive but they didn't include everyone. For example I wanted to ask but didn't, "what is our position on Israel and Palestine then?" Because if we are "pro-Muslim", does that mean we are anti-Jewish interests and causes. It's NOT that simple. You can't just be pro-BLM, you also have to see how police families are hurting too. Also, how can you be "pro" a religion. What about extremists in ANY religion? Basically what they were saying if you're a more conservative Christian...you can GTFO (people were told to join other mommy groups that "more aligned with their values") or never post politically again.
It was just so ridiculous. I'm still there because I never post politically anyway and it's by far the most helpful and largest parenting group in the area. It's just insane to me that our solution is "don't talk to the other side" but isn't that why we are shocked at the outcome? I consider myself a swing voter...mostly conservative but willing to cross the aisle when it's necessary/important but I do not see that willingness amongst most of our electorate and that's pretty sad.
I participate in a Facebook group of over 3k parents in our area. The group obviously slanted liberal but it doesn't bother me - the group is where you ask "what Santa is the best" and "what do you think of xyz swim lessons". There has always been a rule against hate speech that would get you banned but for the most part, it was quite civil. Last Weds, the founder (who runs things like a mini dictator) posted a new mission statement. The group is now "pro-choice, pro-BLM, pro-LGBTQI and same sex marriage, pro-Muslim, etc". Many of us were stunned and asked if we could still stay (while hundreds of other posted "yay, thanks for being on the right side!"). It was a mess. I am actually "pro" several of those causes but it is troubling to me that all of a sudden a parenting group espouses political views.
I asked if shutting down political debate was what they wanted or if it would create an echo chamber and I got "good, that's what we want. Hate isn't a political position..." Um, ok, you can holding differing positions and not use hateful speech...
Also...they completely failed to see the irony in their post. They were trying to be uber "liberal" and inclusive but they didn't include everyone. For example I wanted to ask but didn't, "what is our position on Israel and Palestine then?" Because if we are "pro-Muslim", does that mean we are anti-Jewish interests and causes. It's NOT that simple. You can't just be pro-BLM, you also have to see how police families are hurting too. Also, how can you be "pro" a religion. What about extremists in ANY religion? Basically what they were saying if you're a more conservative Christian...you can GTFO (people were told to join other mommy groups that "more aligned with their values") or never post politically again.
It was just so ridiculous. I'm still there because I never post politically anyway and it's by far the most helpful and largest parenting group in the area. It's just insane to me that our solution is "don't talk to the other side" but isn't that why we are shocked at the outcome? I consider myself a swing voter...mostly conservative but willing to cross the aisle when it's necessary/important but I do not see that willingness amongst most of our electorate and that's pretty sad.
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