Physics Guy wrote: ↑Sat Apr 12, 2025 6:29 am
Hound of Heaven doesn't seem to understand what he himself means by "Progressivism". His multi-paragraph attempt at a definition only says that Progressivism is extreme and self-righteous. People can be extreme and self-righteous about anything, certainly including Conservatism, so Hound of Heaven still hasn't said anything about how his concept of Progressivism is different from Conservatism—or from anything else.
I think that Hound of Heaven either (a) is just a troll with a chatbot, or else (b) has an emotional reaction against something that has hurt and offended him, and he wants to hit back at it with an objective critique, but so far he can't do that, because he's too angry or hurt to think clearly. The chatbot troll theory will win my vote if he goes on pretending that it's normal intellectual discussion to run a ten-page thread "Defining Progressivism" without ever even trying to define Progressivism. If he admits that he can't really explain what it is that he hates so much, though, maybe we could help him.
I'm sure pretty much everybody has run into some infuriatingly arrogant ideological types of some kind. Everyone can relate to that. Some people have probably even had relationships break up, ostensibly over politics or social attitudes, perhaps with political labels misused as emotional weapons. Mounting an online intellectual critique of a label is just not the right way to deal with anything like that. It doesn't make a coherent intellectual critique, and it doesn't even ease the emotional burden, because it just dwells on the pain.
I fully grasp the meaning of progressivism, which is why I stated on the first page of this thread that I would be defining it. I anticipated that this discussion would extend to 10 to 20 pages due to the many participants, like yourself, who appear to embody orthodox progressive views.
I recognize the complexities of human nature, which is why I chose the title "Defining Progressivism" for this thread. It was to be expected that the more orthodox progressives on the board would feel offended by someone outside their group attempting to define an ideology they are not affiliated with. I was right, it's been 72 hours since I initiated this thread, and it has already expanded to ten pages, and I've merely started to outline progressivism.
It's unusual for you to engage in a thread in Spirit Paradise for such an extended period, which suggests that I've struck a chord with you, as you've shown considerable interest in this discussion. Your tone in this thread seems quite defensive, and so far, your contributions have primarily consisted of a series of insults directed at me. However, as I start to clarify what progressivism means to everyone here, it has become evident that, for an orthodox progressive like you, there is a sense of moral justification in belittling those who do not align with your fervent beliefs. I have to say, I find you rather amusing. It seems you put in a lot of effort to present yourself as knowledgeable, yet beneath the surface, you share the same emotional and irrational tendencies as many others in your ideological group. It is clear that you are looking for affirmation from your fellow progressives regarding the militant ideology you have decided to align yourself with as a legitimate belief system. Whenever one of your progressive friends responds positively to what you've written, its obvious a sense of relief washes over you, affirming the validity of the community you've chosen to embrace.
Allow me to assist you, as it appears you may not fully grasp the concept of progressivism as you believe you do. There are several points I will address in this thread regarding progressivism that will aid in defining it over the coming pages, but the most crucial aspect to grasp is this. The primary psychological element of progressivism is that its entire existence as a militant ideology is founded on supplying its adherents with a list of enemies. It is crucial to grasp this concept if you genuinely wish to comprehend how progressivism ensnares individuals and captivates them. Upon joining the progressive movement and embracing its teachings, individuals receive a mental list of those they should view as adversaries, perceived as threats to the existence of progressivism. Once a progressive has fully embraced the militant ideology prevalent within progressivism, their life transforms into a relentless struggle aimed at safeguarding the greater good of their beliefs. They start to perceive anyone not aligned with the progressive movement as an adversary.
The latest instance of the militant progressive mindset is when the entire Democratic Party failed to stand up as a young black man was honored during a presidential address to Congress. Their refusal to stand for that young man was truly appalling! However, once one comprehends militant progressivism, it becomes quite evident why the entire Democrat party did not support the young man. Their militant ideology has conditioned them to view Donald Trump and the Republican party, along with anyone who aligns with them, as adversaries to the progressive movement. Therefore, had they stood for the young man, they would have inadvertently validated the notion that he and his father accepted the invitation for Trump to honor him. Progressives, with their distorted perception of reality, see Trump as akin to Hitler, which explains why they remained seated during his speech. In their skewed thinking, standing would have meant granting legitimacy to what they perceive as a modern-day Hitler. So in this case, the Democrats viewed the young black man and his father as allies of a modern day Hitler so they chose to sit. That's fxxxxx up! And the American people know it!
