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Culture War Roundup for the week of September 5, 2022

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It seems fine to ask questions without explaining in fully your own opinions in other contexts. The reason it seems wrong here is because you believe (probably correctly) that OP is concealing problematic beliefs. I think your real issue is with what you believe that he thinks. As distasteful as the analogy is, “JAQing off” seems fine.

I think that it’s okay for Jews to be overrepresented on JRE. They’re overrepresented in intellectual movements. What matters is the content of what they’re saying rather than them being Jewish.

You're almost correct. It's not that he's concealing "problematic" beliefs, it's that he's concealing his beliefs. I dislike Dark Hinting (and consider it a violation of the Speak Plainly maxim) because it's trying to cloak one's true intentions. It's sleazy and dishonest. The OP did not come here "not entirely convinced," the OP came here hoping to start a discussion about the JQ while pretending he's Just Asking Questions.