A small business owner who voted for Donald Trump recently posted a video on TikTok, pleading for help as crushing tariffs on China threatened to bankrupt his operation, which imports alloy wheels. His call for support, however, drew little sympathy from some fellow Americans.
“Votes have consequences,” he was told, with many comments from Twitter/X users relishing the notion that another MAGA voter was suffering because of their political choice. The backlash prompted a second video from the man, in which he dropped several F-bombs while criticizing the apparent heartlessness of those celebrating his hardship.
I think my “reaction” was fairly normal for common people reading an internet comment. Most people aren’t going to take the time to analyze every occurrence of divisive language like that.
If I were a Republican, and someone suggested that I “made out with my sister,” then I’d probably sense a disrespectful tone in what I’m reading. It’s unfortunate that it “contaminated” the surrounding text which was actually making a decent point.
In other words: Does the inclusion of the “made out with their sisters” part make the communication more productive, or less productive? (Though “productive” might depend on the actual intent, e.g. unity vs. division.)
When so many people needlessly choose divisive language, people become more divided. How is this not obvious?
Slightly off-topic: For those who might not understand this, the book How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie might improve your life. It was written in 1936, but a lot of it is still applicable because humans are still humans. If you’re not into reading, the audiobook is good too.