One reason for the habit @volts.wtf identifies is that the existence of impressionable people & those willing to exploit them is a predictable social problem that requires management, & just because something has an irrational cause doesn’t mean it can’t be rationally mitigated by our own actions. 🧵
That doesn’t mean we should misdiagnose the problem, as he says, or do things that are counterproductive, but it is a useful instinct to try to be solution-oriented and not just throw up our hands and say “propagandists gonna propagandize.” (Not that @volts.wtf was doing that.)
I’m reminded somewhat of the “debate” over whether climate change is caused by humans. Even if it weren’t, it would still make sense to try to mitigate it so we don’t get annihilated.
The problem here is that you can't get people on board with solving a problem that they don't think exists. So you have to have consensus on the problem before you start to propose solutions. Or people who will undermine those solutions claiming there is no problem. It's some nefarious plot.
Even if climate change doesn't exist, it STILL makes sense to take care of mother earth and father sky. It still makes sense to pollute less, use technology for clean energy, use less plastic and kill less marine life. Being good stewards is a win for EVERYONE.