Because the original comment I responded to was about globalism. My response assumed that talking about Trump and globalism was dog-whistling for the less pleasant elements of society and so touched on both racism and real economic issues.
> My response assumed that talking about Trump and globalism was dog-whistling for the less pleasant elements of society
Yes, and my response was precisely about that assumption, which is really a different issue than economic policies like tariffs for China. This doesn't just apply to the reaction to Trump, but also to the reaction to the (supposed) rise of the right in Europe, the main topic. The assumption that these people are voting like that because they're stupid and racist is going to kill the left.
Well, actually you were the one to call them "stupid racists", there was no mention of it in my original comment. I was pointing out that people are quick to blame the personal failings of others, "lazy welfare scroungers" rather than debate the actual economic issues behind globalism.
Come on, your whole comment was about people being stupid and racist. Here's one line: "It's far easier to blame "those dirty foreigners" than it is to accept the vagaries of economics.". The rest was very much in the same spirit. Entertain the idea that if people vote in a way that you don't like, it might not necessarily be for reasons that are irrational and bigoted. Rather than analysing their supposed psychological pathologies to explain why they have a different opinion than yourself, maybe just talk to them? I'd ask somebody who says "those dirty foreigners" the same question: why not talk to them? Perhaps they turn out to be decent people after all.
Nope, original comment was nothing to do with stupidity or racism, just human nature that it's easier to lay the blame abroad rather than look inward.
I know and have debated many people on differing sides of the UK/EU referendum here in England. None of them I consider to be stupid or racist. But they are blaming Europe for all of Britain's woes instead of looking inward. The EU is a net benefit, but just last week we've had otherwise intelligent people scaremongering about Turkey joining the EU and hundreds of thousands of Turkish people swarming the border. It's a crass and absurd lie, and it's downright manipulative.
I never claimed any kind of "psychological pathology" either. That would imply mental illness which is not correct at all. I mentioned a very common human trait which we're almost all guilty of at some point or other.
You seem to enjoy putting a lot of words in my mouth that I never said. I think I'll end this here rather than waste my time attempting debate.
I have not put any words in your mouth. Instead of considering that the opposing side may have good reasons for their opinions, you analysed their psychology as racist and stupid. I see this attitude a lot, but particularly on the left, which I consider myself most aligned to. I'm afraid the left is currently in the process of killing itself by not taking working class people seriously. "Champagne left" has never been more salient. The solution to this is not even more demonizing of people who don't vote "correctly".
