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Culture War Roundup for the week of January 15, 2024

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This actually intersects with an effortpost I am thinking of making here. Consider this a trailer. This summer[1], one man ...

My military[2] and math friend, have you considered that you also have a hole in your perception? You're a man of reason, a man of action, prone to quotes involving rough men in standing ready in the night[3], and that viewpoint comes with its own obscured terrain.

One of those fundamental Hobbesian bits of insight that liberals see to lack is the understanding that violent schizophrenics attacking people on the subways is not some aberation, it's the default, and if you aren't going to do anything about it someone else just might.

To quote a great American philosopher[4], we're halfway there.

You think there's a Leviathan-shaped hole in their reasoning. They say that Penny should have subjugated to the omnipresent Leviathan - but if so, you retort, shouldn't Neely also subject himself? That Neely acted the way he did proves there is no Leviathan, therefore Penny isn't obligated to subject himself to the non-existent.

To the Blue Tribe, there is a Leviathan: the socio-emotional consensus. It surrounds us and penetrates us, binding us. Another poster here said that for some people, the social-emotional consensus is more real than gravity. You're a tough-minded man of reason, and you don't think it matters, but to the Blue Tribe, we've got each other, and that's a lot[5].

You probably noticed after that unfortunate subway incident that left-wing reddit was quick to say "We failed Jordan Neely", and if you understand that statement, you understand the Blue Tribe. To the Blue Tribe, Jordan Neely acted the way he did because the group failed to include and empathize with him. Penny is a murderer not because he killed Neely, but because he acted without the consent and validation of the group. Tutto nello feelz, niente al di fuori dello feelz, nulla contro lo feelz

From the Blue Tribe point of view, yes, HlynkaCG, there is a Leviathan Claus, and if we all believe in him, then he is real.

[1] Hopefully not so late, but we'll see depending on the reception to this post

[2] How do you know HlynkaCG served in the military? He tells you.

[3] Not that there's anything wrong with that.

[4] Bon Jovi, J., 1986

[5] ibid

Nitpick re. [2], I think the formula you're looking for is:

"How can you tell Joe served in the Army?"

"Don't worry, he'll tell you."