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Urban Hermit

@RustyBertrand personally I believe that 20% of people are deeply stupid and could believe anything for any reason. 1 in 5 won't make any sense to you and are likely to believe or not believe in facts based on who they like. Weaponize the stupid by uniting them, get another 20% who were busy and don't know what is going on but will back whatever seems popular, and 40% support is enough to stop any plan, a few more % (42-45) and you can do anything.

16 Dec 2023 at 22:24 | Wall-to-wall | Open on mstdn.social
5 comments
Nicole Göbel

@Urban_Hermit @RustyBertrand How can you help the stupid without offending them at the same time? A difficult issue. Obviously some find it easier and more profitable to lie to and deceive them. Being honest with them is a thankless and unpromising task but somehow we need to rebuild a more honest, understanding, and kind society.

16 Dec 2023 at 23:31 | Open on digitalcourage.social
Urban Hermit

@nicolegoebel @RustyBertrand I don't think we can fix the 20%. I had a friend who argued a guy out of his belief in chemtrails in 20 minutes, but my friend was already friendly and respected in that work place and a guy who can believe the government puts mind control chemicals in jet fuel, and then not 20 minutes later, can switch back after his next YT video.

I think we have to consider 60% support a solid win and not hold up legislation for absolute consensus.

16 Dec 2023 at 23:57 | Open on mstdn.social
Nicole Göbel

@Urban_Hermit @RustyBertrand That also sounds like serious psychological problems. It simply doesn't have enough resources for people's mental health.

17 Dec 2023 at 0:06 | Open on digitalcourage.social
Urban Hermit

@nicolegoebel @RustyBertrand sometimes a history of drug use, or mental problems, or both, leads to mild impairment that could be classified as just "a little off" with paranoia mixed in. I worked there too, and maybe 40% of the people who worked at that level believed in some sort of evil conspiracy. I'm glad I was out before Qanon started. But these guys built electrical cabinets to print, so believing crazy things doesn't mean too mentally ill to be employed.

17 Dec 2023 at 0:29 | Open on mstdn.social
Nicole Göbel

@Urban_Hermit @RustyBertrand Yes, I can well imagine that. I have also observed a more serious case from a distance. The full conspiracy program, including demonstrations, money to dubious esotericists and also out the window with strange business ideas. As far as I know, without drugs, but with something that could perhaps be called the dark side of fantasy.

Of course, we also have to realize that we are all stupid at times or to some extent. The question is simply how we deal with it. Ignorance is probably the bigger problem. The case I described had a strong sense of mission and felt empowered to "save" others. Empowerment fantasies.

People also often make decisions emotionally and rationalize afterwards. That can sound incredibly stupid or even brilliant. But at its core, it's still the same. Not recognizing the actual motives.

Examples from recent years:
- "Covid is certainly not dangerous" (Wants to visit family in China)
- "He's not really such a bad guy." (Owns shares)
- ...

@Urban_Hermit @RustyBertrand Yes, I can well imagine that. I have also observed a more serious case from a distance. The full conspiracy program, including demonstrations, money to dubious esotericists and also out the window with strange business ideas. As far as I know, without drugs, but with something that could perhaps be called the dark side of fantasy.

17 Dec 2023 at 0:46 | Open on digitalcourage.social
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