I read today that the US has paused military aid to Ukraine. I don’t know what the outcome of this will be, but I find it mildly distasteful that anyone should celebrate the decision like Xmas has come early. Since the result of such far-reaching actions is unknowable, I shall drive on by those posts to make my own point, which is to give those of you who are frothing at the mouth at the decision 5 bits of advice on how to handle it.
First, understand human nature...
Most people struggle with Personal Incredulity. When someone says that man-made effects on global warming are a myth because the atmosphere only contains 0.04% CO2, it's because they cannot conceive of such a small number having any effect at all. Refrain from pointing out that you can be classed as legally drunk if the alcohol in your bloodstream is 0.05%. Also, don’t post links to experiments on YouTube designed to teach 12-year-olds basic chemistry, showing the effect of even the tiniest change in CO2 on temperature. Be content to know that YOU have seen the explainer videos, and that you know the impact of small percentages on big things.
Rule No. 1 - Don't bring facts and data into the argument.
Then understand how 'information' works on Social Media...
When someone tells you that cultures where cousins marry are bad, because consanguinity increases the rate of birth defects by 3-6%, Don’t let that lead you to doing general research into birth defects among older women, which points to a trend in their culture. People who use stats are often ignorant of numbers that might undermine their argument. Always remember, you are not employed to teach, unless of course you're a teacher, in which case, construct your own argument for not getting involved. Whatever you do, don't mention Einstein, Darwin, Rudy Giuliani, etc. all of whom married their cousins.
Rule No. 2 - Never point out bias, you'll only be accused of being biased
Next, remember that if there's a megaphone lying around, everyone wants a go...
Avoid pointing out that disinformation works only if the lie contains a grain of truth. Shake your head sadly at headlines that scream VACCINES KILL. Never ask - and..? Don't be difficult and point out that nobody ever said otherwise. The person you say this to is quite likely to just lie, and say something ridiculous like 'big pharma said vaccines were safe'. You might then be forced to point out that the label on the box containing the vaccine must by law warn of any dangerous side effects, or its manufacturers would go to prison. Whatever you do, don't pull out a packet of painkillers and point to the warning on its label! Do NOT tell anyone that most prescription medicines in your bathroom cabinet can kill you, you're only prolonging the debate. Worst of all, don't commit my sin, of reminding friends that you were vaccinated alongside them, and you are living evidence that they're talking complete... You see, I nearly went and lost it there. Just remember, asking why they don't become Anti-Paracetamolers is childish. Getting out the stats for deaths caused by perfectly legal alcohol and tobacco... No Dele! Leave it!
Rule No. 3 - Don't remind people that their past behaviour is inconsistent with their newfound beliefs.
The cardinal rule - whatever you do, don't attack opinion with opinion...
I have my own views on whether placating bullies works. I have my own views on whether the behaviour of a powerful man suggests the existence of a hold over him by a seemingly less powerful man. However, I cannot change what I cannot change, and frothing at the mouth and typing aggressive words simply lessens my own lifespan.
Rule No. 4 - Let THEM go opinion crazy. It shortens their lives and is a form of natural selection.
Finally, let them do the lemming thing of believing the world is ending next Tuesday...
Since I reduced my exposure to Social Media post Brexit, I have found that the world is fine. Or at least it is exactly as it always was and in many ways it is better. They were building nuclear shelters in Europe in the 1970s. What were people thinking back then about the state of the world? The sentences above that I just used in this paragraph must never be used by you. When confronted with the end of life as we know it, shrug and say 'what can we do, we're all doomed'. Let your jaw drop in astonishment when they tell you what Kier Starmer is up to, burying babies in the walls of the House of Commons. Yup, and the rest...
Rule No. 5 - Don't believe the nutters who say the world is going to hell in a handbag.
It's either a wonderful world or it's a crappy world and it's always been crappy. If it's crappy then being crappy is just how the world is. Despite what they'd like you to believe, there's only so much (good or bad) a government can do. Vote for who you like. Believe what you will. Support whatever cause moves you. Ignore everything that is contrary to your opinion on anything. Preach to the converted, shout loud and long in any forum that will have you, stand for office, denigrate those who stand for office, laugh, cry, bully, borrow money and don’t give it back, demand darts become an Olympic sport, become an eco-warrior, go fly tipping at the weekend, encourage casual racism, campaign for LBGTQ+ rights, learn to lie convincingly, join a silent order… In time, nobody will know who anyone alive today was, what we did, what we believed, even what we achieved. So, peace my friends. Donald Trump did something, but it’s probably our great grandchildren who’ll be the first to truly understand what it means. He can’t know what comes next, the future isn't written, and in time nobody will know him or Putin or Zelensky, or you.
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