Over in the Florida Women for Kamala Harris group on Facebook, someone suggested we shouldn’t be using “weird” as an insult.
Yes, we do have to be careful to not cross the line into being out-of-touch, condescending elitists — à la the “deplorables” thing.
Also, the OP said it’s not playing well in the disability community. That is a very valid concern, enough to make me think twice about using weird as an insult even in this political spirit.
And, the other day, Ally Henny cautioned against inadvertently shaming people who just happen to be into some harmless kink, fetish, or sexual desire that doesn’t fit the mainstream.
But, I do think there’s a place for lowbrow goofy insults and humor. In fact, it may be the most effective thing.
Yes, theoretically the right thing to do is break down their talking points; counter their narrative. As in any political arena. However, their so-called “narrative” is basically bully fascism, and that isn’t very amenable to counter via rational talking points. People who believe a certain way will, when confronted with rational talking points, just dig in their heels deeper.
Something I have seen time and time again as a climate activist. I think what happens with really horrible scary stuff is that people shut down. People almost just can’t listen to the facts. So, undermining the “bad guy” side in a humorous/emotional way is another way to get in. And it might be more effective. Fascists/authoritarians demand to be taken seriously and seen as big bad dudes, and as the absolute definition of what should be normal. Using the word “weird” totally undermines that.
Sometimes you really just can’t argue with people at all, no matter how cogent and well-informed your talking points are. So maybe the emotional “weird” thing is a way to crack the fortress.
Fascists and bullies and authoritarians like to be taken very seriously and seen as the essence of manhood and normality. What better way to take the wind out of their sails then by dismissively referring to them as “weird.”
Also, we are allowed to joke and have fun! Just because we are involved in a serious task does not make it any less valid to joke and have fun. In fact, maybe it becomes even more necessary. It builds cohesion and keeps us wanting to stay active in the cause. And, let’s face it, people who are having fun are more likely to attract more followers to their cause.
Re “weird”, I like what Parker Molloy (The Present Age) has to say: “Democrats aren’t just scoring political points. They’re shifting the entire conversation about what’s normal in America. They’re saying it’s normal to be accepting, to be diverse, to live and let live.”
And, if the word “weird” is too problematic, maybe we need to bust out our best imitation Valley Girl accent and call big mean bully things and people “Soooo tooootalllllyyyy bogusssss”!