#political disillusionment

[alwaysbewoke]

This obsession so many liberals and leftists have with RFK just proves that many of them are not actually paying attention to policy or political positions these candidates have. The left is supposed to be the ones that act more intelligently however moments like this really proves how much in common the left has with the right.

[tmarshconnors]

The Great British Conundrum

Ah, Britain my homeland a nation famed for its stiff upper lip, common sense, and a long-standing tradition of political pragmatism. But recently, I’ve found myself feeling a deep-seated shame in my country’s political trajectory, a feeling that's hard to shake. It’s like we've lost our compass and don’t know which direction to follow. To put it politely. We’ve had Conservatives elected to lead, yet, rather than implementing conservative policies, we saw them governing like liberals. And now, the Labour Party sweeping in on a wave of frustration seems dead set on imposing an outright socialist agenda. I can’t say I’m thrilled.

In a time when true conservative values should be the answer to the social and economic chaos around us, the Conservatives barely held onto their ideological roots. They became lost in a desperate attempt to appeal to everyone, trying to be all things to all people governing like moderates when they should have drawn firm lines. People expected robust action on immigration, crime, economic growth, and more, but instead, we got half-measures, compromises, and a heavy dose of liberal appeasement.

So, it’s no wonder that Labour found an easy path to power. People were tired of the Conservatives’ wavering, their failure to take a stand or implement anything truly conservative. Labour painted themselves as the refreshing alternative, promising solutions for those left disillusioned by years of fence sitting. But let’s be honest: Labour’s brand of 'solutions' isn’t designed to make Britain prosperous or independent; it’s aimed at pulling the country leftward at a startling speed. And it’s not a course correction; it’s an overhaul.

We are a country now faced with a government that believes in bigger state control, wealth redistribution, and policies that echo socialism. I am no fan of this trajectory. AT ALL! The Labour Party may be all about fairer society rhetoric, but the methods often involve policies that weaken individual freedoms, inhibit entrepreneurial spirit, and crush personal responsibility. It’s as if we’ve forgotten that a prosperous nation doesn’t come from more bureaucracy but from empowering individuals to rise, contribute, and thrive.

The political landscape of Britain has come to look like a parody of itself. Conservative leaders acting like liberals, liberal ideas embedded in every institution, and a left-wing government now preaching values antithetical to the very foundations of British life. This isn't the Britain I know, and it’s frustrating to watch.

But we must remember, as bleak as it feels now, the pendulum always swings back. There’s an audience in this country for true conservative values policies that uphold national sovereignty, encourage economic freedom, and foster individual responsibility. We can only hope that our next wave of leaders embodies those principles with conviction, not by pandering but by presenting a genuine vision for a prosperous, strong, and free Britain.

For now, I feel disillusioned and fed up. But I also know that there's a spark of resilience in this country, one that has carried it through challenges before. The British people deserve better, and I believe, eventually, we’ll find our way back.

[worldwatcher3072]

Unraveling the Rise of Authoritarian Leaders: Understanding the Complexities

In recent years, the world has witnessed a concerning rise in authoritarian leaders, challenging the foundations of democracy and raising questions about the factors contributing to this global trend. Exploring the underlying causes behind the ascent of these leaders is crucial to fostering a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics at play. In this blog post, we delve into the key factors that have shaped this phenomenon and shed light on its multifaceted nature.

Economic Insecurity and Discontent: Amidst economic inequality, job insecurity, and a sense of stagnation, many people have grown disillusioned with traditional political establishments. Authoritarian leaders often capitalize on this discontent by promising swift solutions and appealing to those who feel left behind by globalization and rapid societal changes.

Political Disillusionment and Erosion of Trust: Distrust in democratic institutions, perceived corruption, and a loss of faith in political elites have fueled the rise of authoritarian leaders. As citizens become disillusioned with traditional parties, they may seek alternatives that promise stability, order, and a break from established norms.

Identity Politics and Polarization: The growing divisions along lines of ethnicity, religion, nationalism, or ideology have provided fertile ground for the rise of authoritarian leaders. By exploiting these divisions, such leaders can rally support around a particular identity or group, using fear and grievances to consolidate their power base.

Technological Disruption and Information Manipulation: The advent of social media and online platforms has transformed the information landscape. Authoritarian leaders have adeptly utilized these platforms to spread disinformation, manipulate public opinion, and amplify extremist ideologies. Such technological disruptions have played a significant role in shaping narratives and influencing political outcomes.

Geopolitical Shifts and Nationalist Sentiments: Geopolitical shifts, global power dynamics, and the erosion of international alliances have contributed to the rise of leaders promoting nationalist or isolationist agendas. Economic uncertainties, migration challenges, and perceived threats to national identity have fueled a desire for strong leaders who promise protection and sovereignty.

Weak Democratic Institutions and Concentration of Power: The weakening of democratic institutions, erosion of checks and balances, and the concentration of power in the hands of a few have facilitated the rise of authoritarian leaders. A lack of institutional robustness and limited avenues for accountability can undermine democratic norms and enable the consolidation of power.

The rise of authoritarian leaders is a multifaceted and complex phenomenon that stems from a combination of economic, political, social, and technological factors. Understanding these underlying causes is crucial for safeguarding democratic values and promoting a more inclusive and resilient society. By addressing the economic insecurities, strengthening democratic institutions, fostering social cohesion, and promoting media literacy, we can work towards creating a more resilient democratic framework that safeguards the rights and freedoms of individuals around the world.

The rise of authoritarian leaders is a multifaceted and complex phenomenon that stems from a combination of economic, political, social, and technological factors. Understanding these underlying causes is crucial for safeguarding democratic values and promoting a more inclusive and resilient society. By addressing the economic insecurities, strengthening democratic institutions, fostering social cohesion, and promoting media literacy, we can work towards creating a more resilient democratic framework that safeguards the rights and freedoms of individuals around the world.

Note: This blog post aims to provide a general overview of the factors contributing to the rise of authoritarian leaders and does not explore each factor in exhaustive detail.

[annabelle--cane]

jeremy heere is an "I don't really like thinking about politics but I try to be nice to people" teen and christine canigula and michael mell are two opinionated baby leftists who are going to Happen to him

[tinystepsforward]

[mariocki]

Play for Today: The Cry (BBC, 1984)

"It's best forgotten about."

"You're not gonna be making a complaint?"

"Complaints? We're not making any complaints! We don't want to know about any complaints."

"Complaints against who?"

"Well, the police."

"Who should I complain to about the police?"

"Well, the police, I suppose."

"What good would that do me?"

[helpfulbug]

ok but I genuinely like the last chapter of yyh manga soooo much.....yes ppl die but the world goes on!! it doesn't matter if yusuke and keiko start dating they're friend forever!!!

[fursasaida]

This article is from 2022, but it came up in the context of Palestine:

Here are some striking passages, relevant to all colonial aftermaths but certainly also to the forms we see Zionist reaction taking at the moment:

Over the decade I lived in South Africa, I became fascinated by this white minority [i.e. the whole white population post-apartheid as a minority in the country], particularly its members who considered themselves progressive. They reminded me of my liberal peers in America, who had an apparently self-assured enthusiasm about the coming of a so-called majority-minority nation. As with white South Africans who had celebrated the end of apartheid, their enthusiasm often belied, just beneath the surface, a striking degree of fear, bewilderment, disillusionment, and dread.

[...]

Yet these progressives’ response to the end of apartheid was ambivalent. Contemplating South Africa after apartheid, an Economist correspondent observed that “the lives of many whites exude sadness.” The phenomenon perplexed him. In so many ways, white life remained more or less untouched, or had even improved. Despite apartheid’s horrors—and the regime’s violence against those who worked to dismantle it—the ANC encouraged an attitude of forgiveness. It left statues of Afrikaner heroes standing and helped institute the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which granted amnesty to some perpetrators of apartheid-era political crimes.

But as time wore on, even wealthy white South Africans began to radiate a degree of fear and frustration that did not match any simple economic analysis of their situation. A startling number of formerly anti-apartheid white people began to voice bitter criticisms of post-apartheid society. An Afrikaner poet who did prison time under apartheid for aiding the Black-liberation cause wrote an essay denouncing the new Black-led country as “a sewer of betrayed expectations and thievery, fear and unbridled greed.”

What accounted for this disillusionment? Many white South Africans told me that Black forgiveness felt like a slap on the face. By not acting toward you as you acted toward us, we’re showing you up, white South Africans seemed to hear. You’ll owe us a debt of gratitude forever.

The article goes on to discuss:

"Mau Mau anxiety," or the fear among whites of violent repercussions, and how this shows up in reported vs confirmed crime stats - possibly to the point of false memories of home invasion

A sense of irrelevance and alienation among this white population, leading to another anxiety: "do we still belong here?"

The sublimation of this anxiety into self-identification as a marginalized minority group, featuring such incredible statements as "I wanted to fight for Afrikaners, but I came to think of myself as a ‘liberal internationalist,’ not a white racist...I found such inspiration from the struggles of the Catalonians and the Basques. Even Tibet" and "[Martin Luther] King [Jr.] also fought for a people without much political representation … That’s why I consider him one of my most important forebears and heroes,” from a self-declared liberal environmentalist who also thinks Afrikaaners should take back government control because they are "naturally good" at governance

Some discussion of the dynamics underlying these reactions, particularly the fact that "admitting past sins seem[ed] to become harder even as they receded into history," and US parallels

And finally, in closing:

The Afrikaner journalist Rian Malan, who opposed apartheid, has written that, by most measures, its aftermath went better than almost any white person could have imagined. But, as with most white progressives, his experience of post-1994 South Africa has been complicated. [...]

He just couldn’t forgive Black people for forgiving him. Paradoxically, being left undisturbed served as an ever-present reminder of his guilt, of how wrongly he had treated his maid and other Black people under apartheid. “The Bible was right about a thing or two,” he wrote. “It is infinitely worse to receive than to give, especially if … the gift is mercy.”

[alwaysbewoke]

and i don't feel a lick of sorry for this dude smfh.

[tmarshconnors]

Labour Party Landslide Imminent..

As the political landscape continues to shift and evolve, there's a growing sense of déjà vu reminiscent of the historic 1997 General Election. Back then, the Labour Party, under the leadership of Tony Blair, achieved a monumental landslide victory, ending 18 years of Conservative rule. Fast forward to the present day, and many political pundits are speculating whether we're on the brink of witnessing a similar political upheaval.

The current state of affairs certainly seems to be favouring the Labour Party. Which I am wholeheartedly against but let’s face simple facts with widespread dissatisfaction over the Conservative government's handling of various issues ranging from the economy to english channel migrant crossings, there's a palpable sense of disillusionment among voters. I mean they don’t even act like “proper” conservatives. In all truth I can’t tell them apart anymore. Cause let’s face it we obviously are locked in a two party system for the foreseeable future.

As I have gotten older I won’t lie I have grown extremely cynical about politics and yes I do have some very strong views by some. I have always quoted the great classical Greek philosopher Plato “One of the penalties for refusing to participate in politics is that you end up being governed by your inferiors.” But here’s the sad blunt truth is my party the Conservative Party have been in power longer than any party since the war. We need to show that we are not stagnating, that we are capable of self-renewal sadly that isn’t happening at all. It’s making me question. “Why should I bother to vote anymore?”

Furthermore, the Conservative Party's internal divisions and scandals have further eroded confidence in their ability to govern effectively. From controversies surrounding leadership decisions to accusations of cronyism and corruption, the Tories are grappling with internal strife that threatens to undermine their electoral prospects. Against this backdrop, Labour appears as a beacon of stability and integrity, offering a viable alternative to the status quo. I feel no compunction at all they have well and truly brought all of this upon themselves.

Another crucial factor working in Labour's favour is the shifting demographics of the electorate. As younger, more diverse voters come of age, they bring with them a set of values and priorities that align closely with Labour's progressive platform. Issues such as climate change, social equality, and healthcare resonate strongly with this demographic, providing Labour with a natural advantage in winning their support. Younger voters most seem to be very naive about politics.

Of course, it's important to acknowledge that predicting election outcomes is always fraught with uncertainty. Political landscapes can change rapidly, and unforeseen events or developments could alter the trajectory of the race. Nevertheless, if current trends persist, it's not difficult to envision a scenario where Labour secures a landslide victory reminiscent of 1997. I mean I could be wrong and maybe just maybe the Conservatives will be reelected to power.

In conclusion, the parallels between the present moment and the historic 1997 General Election are striking. The writing is on the wall. With the Labour Party gaining momentum and the Conservative Party facing mounting challenges, the stage seems set for a seismic shift in British politics. While nothing is certain in politics, one thing is clear: the winds of change are blowing, and come election day, we may witness a decisive mandate for Labour that reshapes the course of the nation. As for myself when the time comes. I shall be voting for the Reform Party led by Richard Tice.

One more thing…

Never forget that exercising your right to vote are crucial steps toward making a difference. I firmly believe in that.

[qhazuban]

thoughts as i read "savage tongues" by azareen van der vliet oloomi, part 1

I’ve started reading “Savage Tongues” by Azareen van der Vliet Oloomi, but I think I’m too burdened by my jaded knowledge of the literary world to enjoy it. I will try to keep reading, but mostly it’s confusing — everything is overly stated and repetitive and politically stated in such a way that appeals to a certain postmodern intellectual zeitgeist or something.

I mean. I guess it’s just… I don’t subscribe to the “show don’t tell” orthodoxy per se, but surely sometimes things do need to be “told” a little less? ugh. I can’t tell if I’ve just grown out of a certain literary illusion or if I’m too steeped in my own bitterness. Maybe the book gets better? But just reading interviews with her, and skipping through the book a little — it doesn’t look like it.

Maybe I’m just jealous, as I always am of these cross-cultural, fraught at the intersection of history, tortured POC writers who do and do not remind me of myself. My father’s jadedness slips into my own as I remain too overwhelmed and fatigued and bitter and traumatized and unsupported to be able to pursue an artist/writer career myself. Ugh, I’m writing this in the same way, too, but that’s part of it — surely a novel needs to be different than a blog / social media post? Then again, I’m reminded of [my professor's] comments on my more recent attempts at fiction writing — how I can spend a lot of time on exposition, more poetically, and after all I am more trained as a poet, but there is more that’s needed too. It’s just confusing.

It doesn’t help that Oloomi was also inspired by Butler’s “Precarious Life” and such while writing “Savage Tongues,” and how I always come back to that text too (especially “Violence, Mourning, Politics”). I feel inescapably stuck in my own spite and mourning. I can’t stand these worlds, the elitism of it all, the utter pretence, all these things I longed for and still do long for. I can’t go to any of the events, show up and socialize/network / act the writer’s norm, it’s all just too much. So much for literature, for art — what’s the point if community just remains an elusive foolish dream.

[quotesfromall]

It was the general opinion of the gathering that the confusion and ruin which resulted were due to that policy. It robbed the old bourgeoisie but did not benefit the workers. The Doctor cited his sanatorium as an illustration. When the Bolsheviki took it over they declared that the proletariat was to own and enjoy the place, but not a single worker had since been received as patient, not even a proletarian Communist. The people the Soviet sent to the sanatorium were members of the new bureaucracy, usually the high officials.

Emma Goldman, My Further Disillusionment in Russia

[doubtingdebispoems]

Answers

AnswersI want answers but they won’t comePeople say because there aren’t noneWhy wasn’t Pelosi held in contemptWhen she tore up the speech of our PresidentWhy were the votes that were hiddenSimply forgotten and forgivenWhy has Hunter not been chargedAlong with his father who is still at largeWhy is a drunk Kamala allowed to speakWhile laughing as if she tweaksWhy is Obama still giving adviceTo a…

[o-wild-west-wind]

So I’m still breaking down my thoughts, and something I keep returning to re: the politics of the Gliyeraba Thropple™ is the multifaceted question of class and power.

While Glinda is the epitome of privilege and the “rich girl” archetype, Fiyero AND Elphaba arguably start the show with more power and influence than Glinda does. Fiyero, of course, is the prince of the Vinkus—but Elphaba is notably the daughter of the governor of Munchkinland, which puts them nearer in terms of political/royal/class standing (and yes…the arranged marriage AUs DO go hard).

Now, the reason this is all so interesting is because it situates Glinda as someone with a huge outset motivation to social climb. Because while Elphaba clearly doesn’t have actual power, she and Fiyero share one thing that Glinda doesn’t have—a position that has them primed for disillusionment. Although Elphaba clearly still believes that it gets better at the top (a.k.a. the Wizard), she already has a lifetime of experiencing how hypocritical and loveless life in the "aristocracy" can be. Meanwhile, Fiyero’s very introduction is one of a depressed nihilist (all wrapped up in a flashy dance number); he’s transgressive from the start, which is perhaps the privilege one has when you’re already born at the top of the food chain—all the while also indicative of a genuine dislike of the system he’s in (and this is where I have MORE thoughts on gender and queerness, but I think that’ll deserve its own post). So although their actions are unequivocally brave, there's a lot less disillusionment E&F need to unpack before they break out—and, one could argue, an inherent privilege in their already being closer to the "truth."

Where I’m going with this is that I think Glinda represents something fascinating about the psyche of the bourgeoisie/upper-middle class—something that has real-world implications today. Because there’s something about her specific rung of power—the one that is just powerful enough to remain perpetually aspirational, like the peak of a bell-curve of ignorance—that taps into an important facet of “how wickedness happens.” It’s the story of the people who vote against their own interests because they think of themselves as "future billionaires;" the people who arguably lack the privilege of knowing that their race to the top is meaningless. It's the mindset that leaves you abandoning your morals and deepest loves for a system that forever dupes you into thinking your heart's desire is still just behind the curtain.

It’s all another part of why Glinda’s character is so lushly complex. She's complicit, but it stems from a genuine ignorance and vulnerability—and we get to watch her rise and fall so we don't fall victim to the same falsehoods. And I think it's also part of why our tellings and re-tellings of The Wizard of Oz, the true "American fairytale," still continue to resonate with us over a century later.

[charmwasjess]

Still thinking about Galidraan, about the Legends vs Canon treatment of Dooku’s character, namely his exit from the Jedi. 

It’s funny how much it matters to me and improves Dooku’s story that he didn’t leave the Jedi out of growing disillusionment with the Order itself. In the current canon, it’s all framed around a very Padme-esque disenchantment with current political makeup of the Republic, the Jedi being used by the Senate and political machines inappropriately, and how planets with little wealth or influence are left out. In the penultimate moment of crisis, he leaves for Serenno, not because he can’t be a Jedi any longer. Because of a conviction that he could truly make something better. 

And I don’t mean to suggest that he never expresses any criticism of the Jedi or particularly, the Council. He seems to have founded that characteristic trait within the Disaster Lineage. (Ironically, the person in Dooku’s story who should have the most legitimate reason to have a personal problem with the Jedi Order is fucking Sifo-Dyas, who never seems to have considered leaving and literally dies telling the camera he did it all to save the Jedi, but that’s a different post.) But that isn't what compels Dooku to leave. In fact, he remains close with the Order for years afterward.

Why it matters to me is because that detail makes Dooku ultimately betraying the Order SO MUCH MORE FUCKED. 

Because they weren’t an old score he was settling. It wasn't seething resentment that boiled out into revenge years later. They were innocent collateral damage of his decisions. His family. His lineage. His legacy. It makes his treachery so much more personal. He had a wager, power for a horrible cost, and he took the power and paid the horrible cost. Sidious really gets him with:

If Dooku hated them and had always thought they deserved to be destroyed, it wouldn’t have been a true Sith bargain, the trade off wouldn’t have tallied. In the same way that Vader could not have existed if Anakin hadn’t loved Padme and yet still killed her.

If Dooku was just a horrible, conceited, power-hungry ass who expectedly traded the kinda shitty people in his life for a shot at more power, it wouldn’t be a very good story. If he really didn’t give a shit, why would Sidious make that his initiation? But if he does - does care deeply about Sifo-Dyas, does love Qui-Gon like a son, is touched by Yaddle’s kindness and sympathy, begins to see Asajj as a true apprentice, consistently tries to save Obi-Wan out of affection, still considers the Jedi his true family - and yet still dooms them all, how much more tragic and horrible and sickening and real and interesting is his story?

[abusivelittlebunny]

omg would u ever write a full fic of ur arranged marriage au?/do u have any other thoughts on it i loveddd the comic

The new Queen of Spain

I will!!! I already have it planned out actually and ranted about it in the manic manner I do to some mutuals, it will be DELICIOUS and definitely my style which may not suit for some people but I ain't here to win a popularity contest.

For more thoughts on the arranged marriage au I'll be continuing below the cut, just hiding it in case you don't want to get spoiled!

Charles is 19 here, he's the oldest omega princess of Monaco. (I wanted him to be about the age that Carlos first met him at irl where he called him innocent looking)

His older brother, Lorenzo (28) is an alpha and the heir to the throne but he must surrender it after the war in which Spain conquered Monaco and made it into a vassal country. He would have been executed but Charles begged for mercy and offered himself to save both of his brothers.

His younger brother, Arthur (16), is also an omega and both him and Lorenzo are currently in captivity and are used as bargaining chips

Carlos is the alpha crown Prince and is 30, his current age simply because I find him more handsome and intimidating as well as disillusioned at this age which will be a key part in the story

His disillusionment mainly comes from having been set to marry the omega boy Princess of Holland, Max since he presented and the two of them did actually want to marry and had a sweet romance but the engagement was broken off by their fathers, the two kings, who were bickering so much it nearly started a war

Max was then married off to Christian Horner, who came from British nobility but with not enough power to take the throne for himself from his young wife

Daniel is also a Knight in the service of the dutch Royal family and is Max's not so secret alpha lover. He is hoping to marry Max one day but Max also has other alpha lovers and is less jaded.

Carlos doesn't forgive his father for ruining a marriage that could have been based on love and mutual respect but he is promised a bride even better than Max in Charles.

However Charles is already betrothed to Jules Bianchi and his father insists on keeping to that marriage.

As Carlos' father once again fails political negotiations which lead to another war where Monaco becomes a vassal country to Spain, the King of Monaco as well as Jules fall in battle.

Jules married Charles right before heading off to the war so their marriage, while based mainly on mutual love, was left unconsummated and Charles is now a young virgin widow who at first accepts his fate to become a nun in a monastery but upon Carlos Sr seeing the young princess, his fate is set to change

Sr lies to Carlos and says Charles has already been deflowered therefore unfit to be the wife of the future king and produce the next heirs to the throne. He instead deems it a better choice to marry Charles himself as a diplomatic way of asserting that he no longer wishes the war to potentially continue and establish alliance

Carlos is of course absolutely furious as he has been denied a bride he was set for for the second time. He has omega maids set to keep him company in secret in Lando and Oscar, but he would never be granted marriage to a simple servant despite his white lies to Lando keeping him hoping that one day they'd marry.

Lando is fully delulu, in love with Carlos since the first day they met, while Oscar sees things for what they are and he's the sort of sassy maid who has little patience for Carlos' promiscuous ways but he still feels a pull towards him. He's often the voice of reason Carlos needs to shut down to keep his pride

Fernando was a Spanish Knight and a close friend to Carlos Sr and through that connection he could arrange himself a very beneficial marriage to the omega son of the governor of Canada, Lance. Fernando is the one trying to reason with Carlos over the benefits of being spoiled on the options of political marriage with other gorgeous brides.

These brides include omega Princesses like George of Britain or Franco of Argentina, the omega son of the president of the US, Logan Sargent, or that of the governor of New Zealand, Liam Lawson, and let's not forget Charles' younger brother as well, Princess Arthur himself.

George is in love with the head of the British army, sir Lewis Hamilton but he is a divorced man with a still living ex wife in Nico, therefore his family won't allow him to request his marriage to the man. He also proves to be a prime bestie to Charles in these trying times, mainly because he despises princess Max and the enemy of my enemy logic stands. But that friendship may fracture once George starts to realise Carlos may be actually a good marital prospect...

Max is however a very chill rival to Charles in terms of their relationship to Carlos; Charles is at first scared of Carlos, he is a captive princess after all, he has no reason to fall for Carlos even if he is the most handsome alpha he has ever seen in his life. It is Max who reassures him that if he feels unsafe, he should go to Carlos because his heart is made of gold and he's the most trustworthy and kindhearted alpha he knows.

Charles both appreciates the advice but is also wary of the flame that clearly did not die out between Carlos and Max and his jealousy will only grow later down the line.

Talking of jealousy, Lando will be stirring shit with a wooden spoon because of the hatred he feels for Charles for stealing Carlos' attention away from him and it will be juicy.

The only non toxic couple here is once again Pierre and Yuki who are respectively a French alpha Duke and Charles' ally and a Japanese omega princess who is Max's ally. This doesn't mean they won't take part in the drama though.

Now, the fic will begin on the shitshow that is the wedding reception itself and rather than one mega fic I will be making multiple smaller ones set in this universe.