I belong to a Zoom current events discussion group. Our summer host recently sent an email to group members letting us know that certain points of view would no longer be tolerated during discussions. Here’s an excerpt:
“I'm deciding to take the gloves off as to the election in November between Biden and Trump. I DO see Donald Trump as a threat to our democracy. And, I see him as part of a theme within recent Republican Party history, via Goldwater, Nixon, Reagan, then Trump. Each was a threat to our democracy, with Trump being the worst...by far… I am no longer willing or acknowledge or to discuss how Trump might be right or how he might truly represent the majority of Americans in November of this year (via the Electoral College). No, he needs to be defeated in November.”
So, what does this mean in practice? Judging from this individual’s previous displays of displeasure during our Zoom discussions, my best guess is that any talk even remotely favorable to Trump, his supporters or Republicans would be shut down quickly. Some examples:
Noting that Trump, his supporters, or Republicans going back 60 years may have/had some good points.
Noting that Trump or Republicans going back 60 years may have/had some good policy ideas.
Noting that Trump, his supporters, or Republicans going back 60 years may have been right about anything.
Valuing diversity of opinion.
Criticizing Trump prosecutions as weak and politically motivated.
Criticizing news media, the entertainment industry, and universities for being one-sided and intolerant.
Criticizing Democrats and/or Progressives.
Criticizing Biden policies and policy proposals.
Expressing concern about crime, the federal debt, government spending, unintended consequences, inflation, the border, illegal immigration, and Covid-19 vaccines.
Questioning pandemic-era Covid policies often favored by Democrats.
Using “dogwhistle” words, such as woke, cancel, urban crime, terrorists, consequences, hard work, victim mentality, etc.
Etc. Basically, if you’re not with us, you’re against us. And if you’re against us, just go away. It’s an attitude I’ve very familiar with, here in the Bay Area. If you want to belong, you gotta sing the song.