What Made you Smile/What Ticked you off Today?

[o.pwuaioc]

I may be revealing too much about my inner opinions, but I can imagine living in only a few places where moving to Alabama would be an upgrade.

Having never lived there, I am inclined to agree. But then again, I've lived in Appalachia most of my life....so maybe I won't notice a big difference? I like to think I am moving to one of the better areas in any case.

There is a difference, and I'm sorry for your loss.

[bmoc]

I'll be moving to Alabama soon.

Hey man, what part of Alabama? I'm from there and have kicked around all over that state.

Auburn/Opelika

[PretentiousHipster]

I am Canadian but I don't understand the hatred of the South? They seem like they would agree with me economically. They just went downhill because of the news that started a culture war, and said that a celebrity billionaire is someone who would best represent the poor. I find it gratifying and engaging to speak with the other poor people to get their perspective and to help shift it.

[opa]

Without going on a huge rant: There's no logic here, dude.

The general populace actively votes against their own interests, gives zero effs/actively harms minorities (racial/sexual/etc), and they'll believe anything that comes from their news source of choice.

Source: my frustrations with trying to be a reasonable person that wants the world to suck slightly less for everyone

Should I keep going, guys?

[PretentiousHipster]

And why isn't talking to them a good way to fix that? Echo chambers suck and giving them another perspective in a reasonable type of delivery can help change them. Constantly insulting them like that is what drives them further into that echo chamber. There are a few far right people in Canada and some would actually listen, not online obviously, but real life is another story.

[opa]

Just speaking for myself here: trying to conduct positive interactions is kind of exasperating at this point.

For example... Masks and vaccines are the big talking point around here. Even with hospital ICU's filled and short staffed, you can't explain the benefits of proper precautions to the anti-vax crowd. They're not listening; their mind is, and has been, made up. I'm not having the same conversation with family or co-workers any more. I'm tired of it.

However, I'm still polite and cordial to everyone I meet. Just because others are foolish doesn't mean they don't deserve a little initial respect.

If you've got any suggestions, I'm willing to listen! I've never been to Canada so maybe there's something in your discussions there you've had that could help us here I'd be willing to hear it out.

[PretentiousHipster]

Tbf I couldn't convince the one antivaxxer who doesn't believe in the virus lol.

I just feel like even bigots can be more friendly in person and as long as you avoid labels it works. I got death threats cause of my label but I managed to for example convince a Trump fan to listen to a more left wing perspective on the Cuban crisis and agree with me.

I think the best starting point is to find common ground. Usually talking about being poor is a good one for me.

[BoneSnapDeez]

Every US state is awesome; get this culture war bullshit out of here.

[prfsnl_gmr]

Every US state is awesome; get this culture war bullshit out of here.

I almost agree with you completely. Every state is pretty awesome…Except Missouri. Missouri sucks.

As someone who grew up in neighboring Kansas, I know this better than anyone!

[MrPopo]

Every US state is awesome; get this culture war bullshit out of here.

I almost agree with you completely. Every state is pretty awesome…Except Missouri. Missouri sucks.

As someone who grew up in neighboring Kansas, I know this better than anyone!

At least Missouri isn't Maine.