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A motte is a stone keep on a raised earthwork common in early medieval fortifications. More pertinently, it's an element in a rhetorical move called a "Motte-and-Bailey", originally identified by philosopher Nicholas Shackel. It describes the tendency in discourse for people to move from a controversial but high value claim to a defensible but less exciting one upon any resistance to the former. He likens this to the medieval fortification, where a desirable land (the bailey) is abandoned when in danger for the more easily defended motte. In Shackel's words, "The Motte represents the defensible but undesired propositions to which one retreats when hard pressed." On The Motte, always attempt to remain inside your defensible territory, even if you are not being pressed.
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I think it was originally used in reference to "white identity politics," i.e. a perceived desire for white preferential treatment in a similar vein as affirmative action, DEI, etc.
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Oh, duh. Thank you!
No, the story of this era of history will be told with two letters. And it will change everything.
To save my life I can't figure out what you're referencing here? Almost certainly my incapacity but could you tell?
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I think it was originally used in reference to "white identity politics," i.e. a perceived desire for white preferential treatment in a similar vein as affirmative action, DEI, etc.
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