for as hopeless as it is, most libs’ interaction with the conflict is largely ineffectual. it’s fully confined within the spectacle, effectively sports for them.
since it’s impossible to get them to think three layers deep, probably best to just sidestep it like most culture war / politicized topics and engage with their direct material experiences. That’s where I’ve had the most success at least.
The phrase’s brevity gives it some overlap with a lot of different concepts, many of which are unfortunately associated with norm policing, otherizing, and oppression.
But the core essence that Brace was trying to communicate is essential. Not that acting outside the norm is bad or that atypical people are less human, but that as a tactical process, we have to be aware of how we’re perceived by the people we’re trying to influence and meet them where they’re at. Just because we’re right doesn’t mean people will listen.
A phrase better than “be normal” would be nice tbh. But it is concise.
great post
i’m regularly shocked at the supposed unwillingness of self-described leftists to read. your comment is a 2-3 minute read at average reading speed.