this post was submitted on 06 Jun 2023
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i don't think anyone's saying it does--and in fact i think you're kind of reading into a point that's not being made (at least not intentionally). as i'm interpreting @Lowbird@beehaw.org and @balerion@beehaw.org here, they're just saying that abstention or apathy is also an unavoidably political act in political discussions or circumstances, even if it seems like it isn't, and that in some circumstances it can be as extreme as taking a political position.
i'd also note Lowbird in particular is making a distinction between "apolitical" abstention and the decision to not participate in online political discourse, because those are two different things and certainly the latter doesn't speak to much of anything on anyone's part politically.
They're painting those who abstain from online political discussion to be privileged types who are taking advantage of the feeling of safety in their own lives and identity. I was simply refuting that caricature because I am a prime example of a person where it simply does not fit.
To be honest with you, when I want political discourse, I'm going to go and seek that out from scholars in the form of well-written books. There's really barely any insight to be gained from the average complete moron on the internet.
No, they're pointing out to people who claim the label "apolitical" that that's both a political stance and a privilege that not everyone gets to have.
I obviously identify myself as apolitical on the internet when I have zero interest in discussing politics with strangers on the internet.
Does that make me privileged somehow?
Your privilege is being apolitical. That is the privilege. For many of us, that isn’t an option.