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How to respond to the "But what about the farmers?" argument? (lemmy.world)
submitted 3 months ago* (last edited 3 months ago) by SpiceDealer@lemmy.world to c/climate@slrpnk.net
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We've all seen this "question" thrown around. It's a smear disguised as an inquiry meant to present climate activists and climate-conscious people as trying to take jobs away from "hard working" farmers. When talking about climate issues with people, this one of the most common responses I get. But here's the thing: I know it's a bullshit question but I don't how to explain why it's a bullshit question. Any help? Thanks in advance.

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[-] SquirtleHermit@lemmy.world 21 points 3 months ago

Well, disingenuous questions are usually meant to derail the topic at hand by forcing you to address a topic you haven't prepared for. In such cases, I would put the burden of explaination on the person who asked, perhaps with some equally unanswerable questions.

"What about them? Do you expect they will be able to farm better in a desert? Is helping them through climate change initiatives more difficult than surviving climate catastrophe?" etc. etc. ad neaseaum.

[-] lemmyng@lemmy.ca 6 points 3 months ago

"What about them? Do you expect they will be able to farm better in a desert? Is helping them through climate change initiatives more difficult than surviving climate catastrophe?" etc. etc. ad neaseaum.

If you respond with that the disingenuous person will accuse you of whataboutism. To be clear I'm not saying that you're wrong about the climate catastrophe, but they WILL attack your character if the first attack did not derail the topic. You cannot engage in a good faith argument with them because they will not meet you on the high road.

this post was submitted on 08 Aug 2024
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