awkward trans

Transman in tech and quite queer.

[Jonah Freedman @jonahfreedman]

Repeated warnings from my 98-year-old grandma, a Nazi Germany survivor, chill me. She says it all started this way, with one weird unsettling development after another, until they were past the point of no return.

[awkward trans @awkward_trans]

I would like to think so, but I don't fully know. There's def a calculus of how many folks become more set in their alt-right ways vs how many change their minds or become open to later having some sort of aha moment.

[awkward trans @awkward_trans]

So if a leftist debater is rhetorically skilled, well-informed on the topics, and can evade alt-right / far-right rhetorical ploys, *and* some of the viewers are open listeners, can such a debate do some good?

[awkward trans @awkward_trans]

eg @InnuendoStudios' points about explaining/defending against GG/alt-right accusations in https://t.co/2nGCwp8uDn

[awkward trans @awkward_trans]

But what about viewers, especially ones who are uncertain or less extreme? Falling for alt-right rhetorical tricks/devices will obviously make the debate fail to move an audience left.

[awkward trans @awkward_trans]

More generally, I'm sure some of this also depends on how adversiarial a discussion is and if both enter it in good faith (interesting read so far: an analysis of r/changemyview interaction dynamics and delta success https://t.co/cDSJGweXK2)

[awkward trans @awkward_trans]

Going in expecting to change the other debater's mind probably won't work (digging in heels, etc). This is where *some* of the criticism of Contra's approach makes sense to me, esp as I don't see BW being open to changing her mind on any big left/right positions.

[awkward trans @awkward_trans]

I've been thinking lately about the impact/value of public discussion with folks from the "other side" of issues (simplistically, the left and the right) after reading some of the fallout re: @ContraPoints' future UBC debate. Can a public debate change minds for the better?

[Sen. Bernie Sanders @SenSanders]

Our country is great because we are the sons and daughters of immigrants, and I think we should all be very proud of that.

[Sen. Bernie Sanders @SenSanders]

We can't afford to build new pipelines that lock us into burning more fossil fuels. I will do everything I can to stop Keystone XL and DAPL.

[Sen. Bernie Sanders @SenSanders]

Donald Trump's administration: of, by and for the millionaires and billionaires.

[Bernie Sanders @BernieSanders]

What a rigged economy looks like: The top 25 hedge fund managers made more in 2015 than the combined salaries of every kindergarten teacher.

[Josh Fox @joshfoxfilm]

Let's be clear: the acts of brutality by ND police against Peaceful Protectors are acts of utter COWARDICE. #standingrock #NoDAPL #Love

[#RIPBassemMasri 🙏 @Delo_Taylor]

The use of water cannons in freezing temperatures is torture. These are war crimes we're witnessing. #StandingRock #NoDAPL #WaterProtectors

[Sen. Bernie Sanders @SenSanders]

.@POTUS must protect the safety of Native Americans and their supporters who have gathered peacefully to oppose the Dakota Access Pipeline. https://t.co/dgNOwwvhLw

[Sen. Bernie Sanders @SenSanders]

Every person is a powerful person if you choose to exercise your power. That power exists 365 days a year, not just on election day.

[awkward trans @awkward_trans]

I despise Trump and his bigotry, but I stand w Bernie on this one. Work on pro-working-class measures & obstruct harmful hateful policies

[awkward trans @awkward_trans]

As a queer transman, I care about LGBT issues bt also care about economic issues. If TPP destroys my fiance's blue-collar job, he/I hurt

[awkward trans @awkward_trans]

#ThxBirthControl and thanks IUD. Yay long lasting reversible (and low maintenance) birth control

[awkward trans @awkward_trans]

Are #Berner transmen still BernieBros? Asking for a friend.