Inspired by recent discussions, I think Hexbear has a lot of good information about socialism but I wonder if the relentless defense of AES on Hexbear means shooting ourselves in the foot, since many potential leftists have been thoroughly primed to react negatively to AES states?
We’re not getting our messages out when progressive instances have already pre-emptively blocked us and calling us “tankies”.
People are being turned away without even taking the opportunity to read some of the stuff here, because they already have a pre-conceived notion about Hexbear being filled with “crazy tankies who defend totalitarianism”.
I know there have been a lot of propaganda and fabrication being perpetuated about socialist countries, and it feels “right” to defend them against these false accusations, but I wonder if this is doing more harm than good for the present day nascent socialist movement, at least in the Western countries?
We can remain on the current course and feel indignant about the tankie accusations, but will forever remain as a niche “tankie” community.
Or, we can open ourselves up, by toning down the admiration for the socialist states so we are not being treated as hostile by the other instances, and thus opening up the opportunities to have productive interactions with users (and potential leftists) from other instances?
(I do have my own position, you probably know which one it is, but I’m willing to hear from others and reevaluate my own opinions if needed).
EDIT: Thanks to everyone who responded. All points are well taken. Thank you.
No. The western “left” has a huge problem with chauvinism and allowing newbies to hold onto what are, many times, frankly racist beliefs about AES will only exacerbate that
This is a weird bit and that’s coming from me.
Lying to libs doesn’t bring them to your side it just waters down your position and gives them strength. So no.
No
Would you like to clarify on your position? This is optional by the way so feel free to ignore if you’re not comfortable answering, but I really like to hear thoughts from others about this.
I think compromising with those to the right of us is a liberal move that will only serve to push us right.
That, and people who have a problem with AES countries are usually doing so out of racism and ignorance. I have no interest in catering to such people.
No, getting people to reevaluate their passively informed misconceptions is good
The “omg those awful Hexbears” attitude only served to make me curious, and as soon as I poked around at all, I fell in love with this place and ditched my other lemmy accounts.
You’re not the first person I’ve seen express this genre of sentiment lately, and I don’t understand why this idea of making this place more welcoming keeps coming up. This doesn’t seem like an educational forum? A lot of “normies” still use phobic speech that’s simply unacceptable here.
I think that if they’re not already of the “stfu & Learn” bent, they don’t really belong here. 🤷 get with the plan or get your ban.
The “omg those awful Hexbears” attitude only served to make me curious, and as soon as I poked around at all, I fell in love with this place and ditched my other lemmy accounts.
Same, actually. I originally had a lemmy.ml account, and I joined because I heard it was ran by Communists, but I heard a lot of shit talking about Hexbear tankies so I checked it out thinking I wouldn’t like it and before I knew it I was spending all my time on Hexbear so I just made this Hexbear account. If it had been toned down, I don’t know if I would’ve joined. Would probably figure you’re all progressive libs.
Also, you’re pretty funny people here so that helped.
