zlacker

>>Ozarki+(OP)
This thread is a great lesson in "Politics is a mind virus"

I recommend you read the HN thread when Ulbricht was sentenced [0] first, then come here and read all the "Honest, genuine question, why?"s

Then start practicing not letting politics influence your thought process

>>9626985

>>Fergus+G8
Or it could be different people commenting than on that original thread? And people might have changed their minds? HN is not a monolith. Humans are not static. You don't need to blame it on "politics being a mind virus".

>>Trasma+ca
But “mind virus“ is such a cool phrase, and it implies that people who disagree with you are not just wrong, but diseased. Great bit of rhetoric.

>>brooks+nc
I don't know. I personally know people that lost their minds because of an election. Completely well off people, whose lives are not affected at all by national politics, apart from slight changes in tax rates. They live in a state and city that shares their politics. They're isolated from everything on the national level.

Yet some of these people have rearranged their entire lives around a singular politician. Ended relationships, moved, started therapy or medication.

It happens on both sides and its pretty sad.

What else would you call that?

>>bko+Ye
>Completely well off people, whose lives are not affected at all by national politics, apart from slight changes in tax rates. They live in a state and city that shares their politics. They're isolated from everything on the national level...

>What else would you call that?

This is one of those comments that accidentally reveals more than intended because I would call that "empathy". You are revealing that the only reason you think people should be concerned about politics is when it directly effects them. Some people actually genuinely care about other people and seeing someone elected who has promised to hurt people is a disturbing and troubling turn of events even if they themselves are likely to be safe.

>>slg+cg
So you’re saying people are making a rational estimation of the various harms caused to their fellowmen, determining that political actions in Washington are the primary component, and feeling bad about the harm?

I don’t buy it. Citing empathy is moral language to justify bad actions.

>>liontw+7h
>So you’re saying people are making a rational estimation of the various harms caused to their fellowmen, determining that political actions in Washington are the primary component, and feeling bad about the harm?

Trump released an executive order yesterday that said some of my friends are no longer considered citizens of this country. Yes, sometimes it is incredibly obvious when Washington is to blame for people's suffering.

>>slg+2i
This thread is about people whose well being and ability to enjoy life is ruined by politics (Enemy centered mindset).

It’s normal to feel bad for someone you know impacted by bad a policy. Ruining your life on their behalf is not empathetic.

>>liontw+zu
>This thread is about people whose well being and ability to enjoy life is ruined by politics

Another facet of empathy is being able to understand other perspectives besides your own. Maybe this was your interpretation of the bounds of the conversation. It doesn't mean that is the only interpretation.

Here are the exact words from the comment I replied to: "Ended relationships, moved, started therapy or medication." I don't think those are signs someone whose "ability to enjoy life is ruined". In fact, I see those as signs of someone enjoying life more by removing or addressing things that sap the joy out of life.

>>slg+0z
Yes. Needing medication because your friend has visa problems is crazy. They themselves are probably less anxious.

> another facet of empathy

Do you really think political obsession is just a sign of superior morals and humanity?

Empathy should make you less pessimistic about politics because you understand other groups values and incentives. (I don’t claim this description is me)