I grok your meaning. I use to think that rhetorical style was just a personal attribute, a characteristic of the individuals who were pathologically over-passionate in their point of view, on both right and left. Hanging out on this forum, I've come to realize it is an ideological and psychological maneuver, deliberately employed to demonize the opposition; to use ridicule and venom to paint them as ineffectual, cowardly, and even effeminate, especially when that opposition fails to respond in the same manner. The bully perceives his victim's restraint not as caution, or shock, but weakness, which justifies further violence. And when the enemy finally lashes back in kind, it is evidence of the Other's congenital inability to bargain in good faith, and why any tactic, however brutal, is justified to deal with him.
These are not nice people.
Current Events » in reply to Clarification
Re: Clarification
The whole thread (43 posts)
- Car bomber update
- You guys know that Tom is telling the truth.
- Re: Interesting.
- Interesting.
- How about a courtesy flush?
- That's just the "Genuine TB Inside" seal of authenticity
- F. F. mode
- Re: I guess the truce is over.
- I guess the truce is over.
- Media, liberals disappointed