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November 14, 2024

punctilio

punctilio

strictness or exactness in the observance of formalities or amenities

A roomful of uniformed soldiers with their eyes closed leaning on the shoulder of the person beside them, while a man speaks into a microphone.

I’ve found that I don’t have as much patience for “discourse” these days. Repeated exposure to an apparatus that strips away nuance doesn’t exactly feel like staying informed.

Many online communities have reverted back into the worst tendencies of forum culture from 2005-2010ish. Every clique has a crowd at the ready, itching to boo and hiss loud enough to drown out anyone who dares question the established rule. They act as though inquiry only exists to undermine, never inform, and has no purpose other than planting seeds of doubt. Any enterprise so threatened by a few pieces of bitter fruit is far less stable than advertised.

It’s easy to find relief. To dose yourself with the false assurance that unquestioning compliance is the key to resistance. There are several ecosystems online that reinforce this, that let you pretend to be politically engaged without forming any opinions of your own. The pundits and podcasters even run lines with you, making sure you’re prepared for the role.

Genuine criticism is out there, but most has been bumped to the sidelines. The main stage presents us with a political-entertainment product. A show that’s similar to wrestling, also centered around cheap pops for pulled punches. There’s comfort under the blanket of predictable deniability.

Political influencers set out to redefine boundaries and get you to cheer for scraps. They say whatever people want to hear, and when you ask about follow-through they signal for pitchforks. All that’s allowed is promises without plans. Action must be relegated to a future that only exists in our dreams.

Keep yourself from being swayed by these hollow figures. Listen closely, and you’ll notice their notes keep coming out flat.

ContextFall

What He Thought by Heather McHugh

Censoring Imagination: Why Prisons Ban Fantasy and Science Fiction by Moira Marquis

The Old Moon by John McNeil

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