Feigning ignorance is a common tactic used by Trump and his supporters,
I think you're off here. Feigning ignorance is a common tactic used by
racists when they're called out on their behavior. As is online identity stealing.
It's a well documented phenomena and I've seen here as well as that other recent thread "Where Is Everyone?"
When a racist is confronted with their racism, a quick deflection to avoid accountability is to feign ignorance. It's so transparent.
1. Say something blatantly racist.
2. Buh, buh, buh I didn't know that was racist.
Then you have theft identity. Again, someone crosses over the line. Maybe it's language they're used of getting away with in other spaces. But when someone else calls them on it, they claim to be a member of the targeted group.
1. Say something gay-phobic.
2. I can say whatever I want, 'cause I'm gay!
Responses like these can be deceptive because they take the focus off of the infraction deflecting any accountability for statements that are inappropriate regardless of what group one is a member of.
It's also incredibly cowardly.
I've seen it all over recent Gaf threads as a limp attempt to defend indefensible actions.
"I know it sounds racist, but what if I told you I was black?"
"I can't stand addressing transgenders, but I'm gay!"
"I didn't know suggesting 'the white man is keeping you down, boy' is wrong...I'm from another culture!"
It's as though many are testing the waters to see just how far they can push hate-speech, and the moment they're called out on it they backpedal and spin trying to make
you out as the bad guy and themselves as the poor, misunderstood victims.
Very cowardly and transparent. Yet sadly not surprising as hate-culture is rooted in fear, ignorance & paranoia.
So no, Trump culture may not be defined by the behaviors above. Though I'd speculate much of his base may participate, it is not fair to suggest all do.
But these behaviors are tried and true mechanics of online hate-culture. And it's genuinely sad to see it firmly rooted in 'Gaf so quickly after the site meltdown.
This place doesn't stand a chance as long as this behavior is accepted. And the longer it goes on the less chance there will be of recovery. 'Gaf is already being seen as a toxic wasteland post meltdown. And unchecked hate-speech does nothing but reinforce that perception.
The more civilized members have already moved on. Some remain trying to push back the wave of intolerance, but all that seems left are screeching hyenas that turning on each other and devouring their own. The energy here has turned sour and caustic.
Unbelievable that in little more than a month, 'Gaf now feels like a festering carcass of hate.
Unbelievable.
