I don't know if this is an attempt to catch me out, but I didn't say/mean anything about questioning statements or facts. I was responding to the question of whether conservative spaces would be friendly to a progressive (or vice versa), and why I think people expected this Substack to be a place where it was safe for all, and are disappointed that it's not.
I have no issue with people questioning statements -- but I do believe *both* republicans and democrats have "facts" that need to be checked. I also believe both are fed propaganda and mislead by biased media. I'm extremely disillusioned by our system, and feel there's no moral high ground on either side. So, yeah, go for it -- both sides should regularly be questioned by others and themselves, as long as it's done in good faith, and not with a condescending or dismissive or combative tone.
Ultimately, the whole point of my comment was that since the election, it seems many people who identified themselves as conservative have since felt unable to speak up here. With a following as large as Sharon's, there must be a large number of conservatives, but they are noticeably absent from many of these threads. And I've noticed that when they do chime in, there's an almost immediate attempt to discredit them, and a demand for them to prove things. It's not a dialogue, it's an indictment. That's what I meant by "called out." There was no secret meaning or ulterior motive to my words.
And yes, I would feel the same if the conservatives were in the majority and liberals felt out of place. I came to this space to hear from everyone, because I have no dog in the political fight, and it gives me perspective and understanding to hear from people across the board.
Gina, I admit I rarely comment here or most political spaces because I hate misunderstandings or misunderstood tone when interacting online. I have experienced people who try to trap others in their comments when they say anything remotely critical of democrats or mildly sympathetic toward republicans (and vice versa), so when I do speak up, I often come in guarded. I apologize if my defense was up, and I appreciate you wanting a fuller explanation.
Brooke, I agree it is an assumption that no one should ever be belittled. That is bullying behavior. But what do you mean by “called out”?
Is that the same as questioning statements in order to establish an agreement on facts?
I don't know if this is an attempt to catch me out, but I didn't say/mean anything about questioning statements or facts. I was responding to the question of whether conservative spaces would be friendly to a progressive (or vice versa), and why I think people expected this Substack to be a place where it was safe for all, and are disappointed that it's not.
I have no issue with people questioning statements -- but I do believe *both* republicans and democrats have "facts" that need to be checked. I also believe both are fed propaganda and mislead by biased media. I'm extremely disillusioned by our system, and feel there's no moral high ground on either side. So, yeah, go for it -- both sides should regularly be questioned by others and themselves, as long as it's done in good faith, and not with a condescending or dismissive or combative tone.
Ultimately, the whole point of my comment was that since the election, it seems many people who identified themselves as conservative have since felt unable to speak up here. With a following as large as Sharon's, there must be a large number of conservatives, but they are noticeably absent from many of these threads. And I've noticed that when they do chime in, there's an almost immediate attempt to discredit them, and a demand for them to prove things. It's not a dialogue, it's an indictment. That's what I meant by "called out." There was no secret meaning or ulterior motive to my words.
And yes, I would feel the same if the conservatives were in the majority and liberals felt out of place. I came to this space to hear from everyone, because I have no dog in the political fight, and it gives me perspective and understanding to hear from people across the board.
Brooke, honestly I would never try to “catch you (or anyone else) out”. I was just sincerely looking for an explanation. Thank you for clarifying.
Gina, I admit I rarely comment here or most political spaces because I hate misunderstandings or misunderstood tone when interacting online. I have experienced people who try to trap others in their comments when they say anything remotely critical of democrats or mildly sympathetic toward republicans (and vice versa), so when I do speak up, I often come in guarded. I apologize if my defense was up, and I appreciate you wanting a fuller explanation.
I hope everyone feels safe here to be their best selves.