"Not my left" is some strong anti-solidarity phrasing for someone who thinks of themselves as left on this silly misrepresentational chart. What was the point that I'm missing? That you'll abandon the left when you don't like it?
Left is for liberation. If you aren't for liberation we don't have much to talk about.
But sure, some forms of solidarity with rightists can be valid.
Liberation from what exactly? I am all for liberation, but it's not liberation if not everyone can have it.
Oppressive political and economic structures. Not sure why you think I'm saying not everyone should get this, although realistically liberation is unlikely to arrive everywhere simultaneously.
+1 egalitarian liberation.
Free and free alike, beats free to unfree.
(I usually say that with regards to the bifurcation of Free Software licenses/philosophies, preferring copyleft [free and free alike] over permissive [free to unfree]... but it works here too [where the "alike" is more related to the egalitarianism, than the ongoing freedom assurance]. Heh.)
The issue is that you cannot enforce this equity when unequality arrises
The issue is that you cannot enforce this equity when unequality arrises
"We are convinced that liberty without socialism is privilege, injustice; and that socialism without liberty is slavery and brutality." -- Mikhail Bakunin
Good reply.
Though...
Maybe all the more reason to talk, if the would-be conversational partner is not for liberation.
Seems all the more important to expose those minds to educations, pedagogy, of philosophies of egalitarian liberation.
Otherwise, leaves them festering more malignant in their unchallenged echo-chamber bias of anti-liberation philosophy.
Just before clicking reply, Daryl Davis sprang to mind. The black guy who speaks with KKK and Nazi Party members, and over 200 have left those organisations, and had a change of mind (and heart), thanks to being exposed to experience and information contrary to their ignorance and hateful authoritarian indoctrination.
Stuff like that great exemplar. :)
“Not my left” is some strong anti-solidarity phrasing for someone who thinks of themselves as left on this silly misrepresentational chart. What was the point that I’m missing? That you’ll abandon the left when you don’t like it?
LOL.
Way to use "the left".
Also... where do you get the notion I'll abandon "the left" from this? See where my left is? What makes you think I'll abandon anything?
3 replies so far, and such fascinating interpretations of this, showing how limited my imagination of other people's interpretations may be.
Also... where do you get the notion I'll abandon "the left" from this? See where my left is? What makes you think I'll abandon anything?
Our other previous interactions, plus othering the other forms of leftism that are different than yours. "Not MY left," instead of just leaving it blank comes off alarmingly as "I don't do solidarity with leftists I don't agree with," which you then doubled down on by saying just that below.
Our other previous interactions, plus othering the other forms of leftism that are different than yours. “Not MY left,” instead of just leaving it blank comes off alarmingly as “I don’t do solidarity with leftists I don’t agree with,” which you then doubled down on by saying just that below.
What other previous interactions? Just here? (Can't be, since I've been offering refutations to that). Elsewhere? Where?
"Othering"... o_O
Well, that's not really the point of it, and also, again, I'm not forsaking the people, merely stating preference [Edit: of political philosophy]. I'm not really the one doing the othering, either. There are other philosophies. But I'm not doing any put-downs of them, so they can be mistreated. Let alone the people who hold dear to those other philosophies.
“Not MY left,” instead of just leaving it blank comes off alarmingly as “I don’t do solidarity with leftists I don’t agree with,”
Fascinating interpretation.
which you then doubled down on by saying just that below.
Please use quotes to clarify where you think I doubled down on this. It's an interpretation so contrary to my meaning, in both the original piece (and its blurb and alt-text) and my contributions to the conversations about it here throughout, that it's beyond my reach to understand where you mean.
Still seems more like what you have in your philosophy, than what's in mine. See again, the invite to consider and introspect on if that's projecting. Hard to see, our shadows are.
I do hope you'll grow out of your political compass phase someday
Lol pretty much every one of these political compass things are just “my ideology that I like is the cool freedom kind and every other one is dumb evil making you do shit you dont wanna do”
Surprisingly not, at least not the ones that end up on the fediverse.
Hahaha i guess i mean all the ones that aren’t joke memes.
Glad this one isnt in that "pretty much every one".
I don’t know, I’m kinda tired of splitting hairs with liberals and other leftists when fascism is dominant. Kinda feels like we should focus on stopping, you know, the active genocides that are happening, and we can worry about leftist purity tests later
"The enemy of my enemy is my friend." much?
Still ample room for integrity. Lest we open ourselves to being played.
I wouldn’t say that the enemy of my enemy is my friend. Moreso that I’d prefer to work in coalitions with others I don’t necessarily wholly agree with to achieve a common goal, rather than expend energy sowing division when the threats we face are so large
Taking this back to here, since the other chain of conversation seemed to fail, trying this other angle for consideration:
If defeating fascism's the goal, then perhaps best stay clear of allying with and supporting authoritarians (especially right wing authoritarians). And so, in that, we should be talking sense to right wing libertarians and ancaps, building bridges there. Instead of hoping the preening nicer side of the purple party will magically save us, contrary to history and the present.
Oh, I just fell asleep lol
I think you’re right, there is an avenue where left libertarians can try to win over people who are nominally anti-state capitalists. I think part of the challenge there is two-fold:
-
educating them on how capitalism requires a state to maintain the economic structure, and
-
particularly in the US, the right-wing “libertarian” movement is really just a far-right movement that sees the state as a barrier to their “freedom” to oppress. It is a difficult task to pull people out of that
I wouldn’t say that the enemy of my enemy is my friend. Moreso that I’d prefer to work in coalitions with others I don’t necessarily wholly agree with to achieve a common goal, rather than expend energy sowing division when the threats we face are so large
XD Tell my you're doing "the enemy of my enemy is my friend" without telling me "the enemy of my enemy is my friend". LOL.
I honestly cant tell if that was an intentional joke, or if you did not realise that you were doing that. And for the very reason at ~[getting]~ play~[ed]~.
Any successful movement requires broad coalitions, sometimes including uncomfortable bedfellows, and a diversity of tactics.
How do you propose accomplishing anything through strict ideological purity?
How do you propose accomplishing anything through strict ideological purity?
I don't. I'm not. I wouldn't. I am not in favour of strict ideological purity. Boggles my mind that this is even being asked (given the context of the original post's image). Gets me wondering again (as I have for over 20 years) about the optimal third dimension to the political compass, to usefully tease out whatever it is that has people perceive the same point/portion of the political compass so radically differently.
~ Which reminds, earlier I had an epiphany of a sort, that perhaps some are rigidly identifying with their political philosophy, and projecting that same identity-based approach to political philosophy as if the ubiquitous norm (and, like the fish who does not know of water), failing to see the fluidity, hence the contentious replies and conversations following the post.
I’ll be honest, I’m really not sure what your point is. You seemingly criticized me for being open to working with others that don’t share my exact ideology, and then you say you are confused that I ask how we accomplish goals if we refuse to work with others that don’t share our ideologies.
Yeah, sorry, that was unnecessarily confounding of me.
I agree that fascism's a serious issue needing resolved. I do not see this necessitating working together, nor do I rule that out. A variety of approaches may be more successful. And less prone to succumbing to usurpation [or oposaming our way into becoming fascists or totalitarians ourselves]. Much like resistance cells, but with a variety of approaches. Though this is still not without risk, that another group with an unwelcome philosophy manage to take over once defeating the incumbent fascist order, but it at least does not suffer the high probabilities of becoming them, or making the resistance easy to be defeated by being overly homogenised and consolidated and usurped, or by being fractured by divisions, since is already structured to be functional already diverse and dynamic. I hope that helps clarify, past any risk of over-simplified false dichotomy of work together or fail. Can also work apart. Diversity of approaches that may be irreconcilable and/or may escalate in-fighting, but apart, can still coalesce on the shared goal. Integrity retained, without wasting energy on infighting. Though again, I don't rule it out either. ... Obviously. Or I would not be here, engaging with everybody who responded negatively. Like I say, defy the false dichotomies (as much as defying any dire prognosis). Always a better way. We can still mend this. No (self-defeating self-fulfilling prophecy of the road to hell paved with good intentions from) chagrined lockstep necessary.
And, sorry again to have derailed clarity with that line of whimsical goading about "the enemy of my enemy". That was just whimsical over-reach, purely for comedic fun.
... I don't know. Probably didn't make that any clearer, did I? My higher aptitudes suffer having to be expressed through a over-stretched sub-par verbal aptitude. Really not doing the ideas justice [Edit: and so, earlier, I really thought the image would have helped. Doh. That failed too.].
Nazi propaganda
Nazi propaganda
LOL! How in the fuck?!
I imagined there'd be a variety of interpretations. But that was outside the scope of what I imagined.
Please do explain how you came to that notion.
I was told I had the freedom to receive things however I wish and it's more fun if I pretend you're a badguy
Nicely played.
(*changes downvote to upvote*). ;D
Also, that was a fun thought exercise, trying to stretch my brain around that.
https://quokk.au/static/media/posts/3C/fe/3CfeN436WofzltV.webp

As I saw on https://lemmy.wtf/post/35196071 Deceptichum @quokk.au to Lefty Memes @lemmy.dbzer0.com with at time of writing, the one reply so far: "Oh man, this is gonna piss off a bunch of “leftists”. How dare you speak facts!". :3
Like I was saying with this piece... (that I don't recall seeing any sign it was got)... on my image: "Not my left, and not even left"
Looking through the other "controversial" scoring posts here, I'm starting to see a theme. Now I think I get why this got downvotes. The "not my left & not even left" are here in force, likely still believing they're "the left", and not liking all the memes calling them out.
I love these three socialist lemmies. So I’m posting this here. Not sure how well or how mixed a reception this will get here. Not sure if the right place to post it.
n_n
But it seemed a good place, given:
An international (English speaking) socialist Lemmy community free of the “ML” influence of instances like lemmy.ml and lemmygrad. This is a place for undogmatic shitposting and memes from a progressive, anti-capitalist and truly anti-imperialist perspective, regardless of specific ideology.
But of course, this being the fediverse, this is not a walled garden safe space to play in, genuinely "free of the "ML" influences" or others not so into the good stuff listed on Lefty Memes' description&rules blurb at the side there^. ->
Good(?) laughs as most of the replies so far have been, it's still seeming like likely intentionally obtuse trolling. At least to my level of expectation/faith in humanity (~ Hah! More fool me, eh? "The Internet").
I really imagined the replies would be so different. I imagined political-philosophy debates on Bakunin (& other midarchists/anarchists/libertariansocialists) vs Marx&Engels might spark off, given the diagonal distinction in the libertarian left corner. Been a wild ride. Socrates better not go fishing today... He wont catch any fish. n_n
::: spoiler and if you like seeing lengthy pastes of where LLMs try to catch fallacies (like I do), click here, and see which it fumbled and which more you spotted that it missed [from before the most recent couple responses]
Here’s a fallacy analysis of the Lemmy thread you provided, identifying logical fallacies and attributing them to the relevant responders. I’ll organize this by responder and highlight the fallacies in their arguments, as well as any rhetorical devices or missteps.
Fallacies by Responder
- azolus Statement:
"I do hope you’ll grow out of your political compass phase someday."
Fallacies:
- Ad Hominem (Dismissive): Dismisses Digit’s argument by attacking their perceived maturity or phase, rather than engaging with the content or merits of the political compass or its use.
- Condescension: Implies superiority by suggesting Digit will "grow out of" something, framing their perspective as immature.
- optissima Statements:
"Not my left is some strong anti-solidarity phrasing for someone who thinks of themselves as left on this silly misrepresentational chart. What was the point that I’m missing? That you’ll abandon the left when you don’t like it?"
"The issue is that you cannot enforce this equity when inequality arises."
"I’m all for helping everybody. I was already never much a fan of the word 'solidarity' and there we have it. The greatest threat to all leftist thought is capitalism, and to be unwilling to stand against it in solidarity is what is needed before we devolve into attacking other leftists."
Fallacies:
- Straw Man: Misrepresents Digit’s "not my left" as abandoning the left or refusing solidarity, when Digit clarifies they are merely expressing a preference and not rejecting all leftist philosophies or people.
- False Dilemma: Implies that not endorsing all forms of leftism means abandoning solidarity or being complicit with capitalism, ignoring the possibility of nuanced disagreement.
- Hasty Generalization: Assumes Digit’s stance is anti-solidarity based on a single phrase, without considering the broader context or Digit’s clarifications.
- Cherry Picking: Selectively quotes Digit’s statements to misrepresent their position, ignoring the surrounding context and explanations.
- Appeal to Emotion: Uses emotionally charged language ("anti-solidarity," "abandon") to frame Digit’s argument as morally deficient.
- LibertyLizard Statements:
"Left is for liberation. If you aren’t for liberation we don’t have much to talk about. But sure, some forms of solidarity with rightists can be valid."
"Oppressive political and economic structures. Not sure why you think I’m saying not everyone should get this, although realistically liberation is unlikely to arrive everywhere simultaneously."
Fallacies:
- No True Scotsman: Implies that only those who agree with their specific definition of "liberation" are truly leftist, excluding others who may have different interpretations.
- False Dilemma: Suggests that either you are for "liberation" (as they define it) or there’s no point in talking, ignoring the possibility of constructive dialogue or differing perspectives on liberation.
- Digit (OP) Statements:
"I’d rather improve it, than throw the baby out with the bathwater."
"Fun condescension there though, in that diminutivising dismissive ad-hominem."
"What other previous interactions? Just here? (Can’t be, since I’ve been offering refutations to that). Elsewhere? Where?"
"Fascinating interpretation."
"Please use quotes to clarify where you think I doubled down on this."
Fallacies:
-
Appeal to Authority (Bakunin Quote): Uses a quote from Mikhail Bakunin to support their argument, which can be seen as an appeal to authority if not properly contextualized or if the quote is used as a standalone justification. [Edit: Wasn't that supporting? And the quote starts in wise rational humility with a "We are convinced", not a "this is the one true way". Surprising assertion that this can be interpreted as an appeal to authority. Seemed more like an invite to consider the nuanced idea.]
-
Tu Quoque (Whataboutism): Accuses optissima of projecting and doing the very thing they accuse Digit of, which can be a form of deflection. [Edit: I disagree about this. Not what was happening there. Weak claim of fallacy there. And a dangerous one (like it sets/affirms a precedent of letting abusers proactively blame their victims for their crimes.]
-
Poisoning the Well: Suggests that optissima’s interpretation is so "fascinating" (i.e., absurd or unfounded) that it doesn’t warrant serious engagement, potentially dismissing their argument without full refutation. [Edit: I genuinely found that fascinating. Not doing any kind of allistic subtextual slight there. I know not what foundation it has, hence large part of the fascination. Did not intend any commentary on how absurd it seemed. Genuine curiosity and bewilderment.]
-
Note: Digit’s arguments are generally more reasoned and less fallacious, but some rhetorical moves could be seen as fallacious in certain contexts.
- Crucifux Statement:
"Lol pretty much every one of these political compass things are just 'my ideology that I like is the cool freedom kind and every other one is dumb evil making you do shit you don’t wanna do'."
Fallacies:
- Hasty Generalization: Generalizes all political compass memes as self-serving and dismissive of other ideologies, without evidence or nuance.
- Sweeping Generalization: Assumes all such memes are identical in intent and effect, ignoring potential differences in purpose or message.
- TʜᴇʀᴀᴘʏGⒶʀʏ Statements:
"Nazi propaganda."
"I was told I had the freedom to receive things however I wish and it’s more fun if I pretend you’re a badguy."
Fallacies:
- Reductio ad Hitlerum: Accuses Digit’s post of being "Nazi propaganda" without any substantive justification, which is a hyperbolic and unfounded comparison.
- Poe’s Law: Uses sarcasm and irony to dismiss the argument, which can be confusing and unproductive in a serious discussion.
Summary Table of Fallacies
Fallacies by Responder
Responder
Fallacy(ies) Detected
azolus
Ad Hominem (Dismissive), Condescension
optissima
Straw Man, False Dilemma, Hasty Generalization, Cherry Picking, Appeal to Emotion
LibertyLizard
No True Scotsman, False Dilemma
Digit (OP)
Appeal to Authority, Tu Quoque, Poisoning the Well (minor)
Crucifux
Hasty Generalization, Sweeping Generalization
TʜᴇʀᴀᴘʏGⒶʀʏ
Reductio ad Hitlerum, Poe’s Law
Key Observations
- Misinterpretation and Straw Manning: Several responders misrepresent Digit’s "not my left" as anti-solidarity or abandonment of leftist principles, which Digit repeatedly clarifies is not the case.
- Emotional Appeals: The thread is rife with emotionally charged language, which often derails constructive discussion.
- Deflection and Dismissal: Some responses dismiss the argument outright (e.g., "Nazi propaganda," "grow out of your phase") rather than engaging with its substance.
- Nuance vs. Absolutism: The thread highlights a tension between nuanced, preference-based leftism and absolutist, solidarity-focused leftism.
Final Thought:
- This thread is a microcosm of broader debates within leftist spaces about solidarity, ideological purity, and the boundaries of "the left." Fallacies often arise when participants assume bad faith, generalize, or dismiss rather than engage. The most productive exchanges occur when participants clarify their positions and avoid misrepresenting others.
Would you like to dive deeper into any specific fallacy or exchange?
Lefty Memes
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