Friday, December 05, 2003

I Am The Enemy Of All That Is Purple. Dear AL, Must be great to be you, what with the keeper-of-the-truth T-Shirt you got from God, or wherever. I lost mine a while back. Or, I think I used to own one. I'm not sure. Let's assume that we're both reasonably intelligent people, capable of figurin' on our own. We reach our opinions through a combination of experience, trusted facts/sources, logic, and emotional inclination. Is there a category I missed? Some kind of green misty field that warps truth? What dismays me about most right-wing debate is the lack of specificity. You use loose words to describe nebulous concepts; you use sweeping generalizations to juxtapose an opinion you don't like with an evil that is unquestioned. I asked if I'm "Idiotarian" or not. Nobody seems to be answering. Are you just being nice? Or, given a moment to think about it, does the term just seem a little unclear? Where are the tripwires? What are your issue tests to qualify/disqualify? Generalizing can be fun. I can start by picking a few groups, like terrorists, anti-abortion militants, Bush's economic advisors, and street drug dealers. A bad lot, all around. I think I'll call them "Purples", and then I'll wax all axiomatic about how there's a big Purple love-fest going on, with plenty of winking and solidary and people-eating for all. See how it's all part of the same conspiracy? Which is all ridiculous, of course. And so is...the I-Word. If you can't define it. Diversity is a beautiful thing. And to all, a good night... 2:36:10 AM     | comment [] | trackback []