Not just here, but also on reddit and other social media.

Sure, there is a propaganda war brewing wherein a lot of Western media are pushing exaggerated narratives, Adrian Zenz is a theological dope of an academic, and the CIA has a vested interest in accelerating conflict, etc. but surely there’s got to be room to also address the shortcomings of China as well? Whether it’s about LGBTQ+ issues, or the exploits of Chinese capitalism, or being able to criticize or make fun of Xi, I see posts here routinely and systemically brigaded and comments downvoted to oblivion that even sniff at criticism of China.

I consider myself a free agent, and China’s meteoric rise gives me some hope for a brighter tomorrow (in contrast to the US), but this blatant campaign of social media manipulation gives me pause for concern. It just screams insecurity and makes me not trust what feels like a counter-propaganda narrative. (Mods, please never get rid of the downvote counter.)

Anyway, here’s hoping for a brighter future, but please let ideas breathe.

Thanks for listening.

  • GrouchoMarxist [comrade/them,use name]@hexbear.netEnglish
    4·
    4 years ago

    I think I can count on one hand the amount of times those topics are brought up about China in good faith. Maybe you’ve seen it more often and seen the brigades more than me

    My thing is, why is it always China lol. No one comes into these spaces with scorching hot takes about the LGBTQ rights in Laos or the economic systems of Cuba. It’s a lot of CHINA CHINA CHINA, which between the current culture, and trying to deprogram baby leftists, it’s really hard to spot good faith discussions/let them grow. And the thing that really sucks is every good China discussion is like 1 rogue comment away from name calling, it’s hard to stay on track

    • CallMeALibItsAllGood [none/use name]@hexbear.netOPEnglish
      0·
      4 years ago

      My thing is, why is it always China lol. No one comes into these spaces with scorching hot takes about the LGBTQ rights in Laos or the economic systems of Cuba.

      Because China’s economic and LGBTQ+ circumstances will have a much, much, much more appreciable impact on my life in the coming years than Cuba or Laos.

          • GrouchoMarxist [comrade/them,use name]@hexbear.netEnglish
            2·
            4 years ago

            That wasn’t my point. People bring up these criticisms of China and hide behind the claims they are critiquing a socialist country/its policies. But hey isn’t that weird, that they are only motivated to critique countries that are currently the target of US imperialism?

            If you want to discuss AES countries and their flaws, and you only ever do this for China, just be open and honest and say you hate China for whatever absurd reason and move on

            • pressurized [none/use name]@hexbear.netEnglish
              1·
              2 months ago

              never ask members of the communist party of the philippines why joma maria sison called for attacks on BRI projects which were simultaneously sanctioned by the philippine govt and the USA from the netherlands worst mistake of my life

          • GrouchoMarxist [comrade/them,use name]@hexbear.netEnglish
            1·
            4 years ago

            China’s indirect influence through those pale in comparison to the influences of whatever native country is in question. Like do you really think China’s views on LGBTQ+ people, filtered through Disney or Tencent, really makes more of a difference than Disney’s own policies, or the cultural hegemon here? We should focus on our own shit