Pints and Politics: Time for Another Round?

It was good of BA to run this article again. But little has changed in 16 months. The same 35% of the country that supported Trump still does. (Historically the Presidential honeymoon has twice that support.) Judging from those stiff battle lines, I am skeptical that BA can do much to get the US on track.

But, beer can be a mystery. So if BA wants to try, it should setup a separate group with special rules and anyone participating takes a pledge. Since that requires site supervision, make it part of Premium membership. One rule I'd make is that every opinion needs to consider both sides and, then, offer a new solution. Beer is better when it stimulates thought.

 

Say that again. Fascists running riot all over university campuses, intolerant of conservative ideas, forcing deans to give in to their feverish demands, labelling anyone who disagrees with them a **** or fascist.

 

^^^^^This

In a "better" day that silence was used to subjugate entire races and genders, I personally prefer the somewhat uncomfortable discussions over that past.

 

People really through the word fascist today just with no regard for the historical context. Idealistic and somewhat unruly youth protesting every second of every day aren't fascist, in fact the one area you can reasonably point to and identify fascist like tendencies are in the extremely nationalistic right wing parties in the US and Europe.

 

Sigh. This is the kind of exchange we don't really need more of, anywhere, much less on BA. Fascism is a government ideology designed to serve corporations and corporate interests... that was Mussolini's Italy, and what we see today (emerging) in the U.S. (for better or worse, whether you/i/we like it or not).
But to call students on campuses "fascists" is a bit odd, since they're really just concerned about alt-right movements and not simply "conservative ideas." Colleges and universities are actually very conservative institutions and it takes years, if not decades, for curricula to change. I have plenty of colleagues with conservative ideas. I even have many of my own... this isn't a set pattern where we seek to indoctrinate anyone. Seriously.
There are protests, petitions, student sit-ins, yes... but that's part of democracy, part of our institutional education. How do you effect changes otherwise?
As someone who teaches on a liberal arts college campus, I don't see this as fascist, but I do see it as a problematic over-inflation of identity politics when students perceive "traditional" requirements as excluding intellectual contributions from other people other than dead white guys. And before you jump all over me, I'm a white guy.
So, let's throttle this back a little, be precise (just a wee bit?)... and focus on beer.
We can have civil discussions. Or we can overreact. I'll choose the former. Cheers, have a great day you two...

 

Democrats today practice identity politics as it relates to race, gender, and sexual orientation. Republicans play identity politics as it relates to national identity and weaponize a morphed sense of patriotism. Neither practice is right, and it's exactly what deepens our divide as a nation. These parties use our worst base instincts against us, I mean how can two political parties be on different sides on literally EVERY single issue? It's to further sow division, which keeps the status quo in tact. Even our "outsider" candidates ran on party lines basically.

 

Yeah, but the term has long been used for anyone demonstrating authoritarian and intollerant attitutes towards other groups. I mean, you don't see grammar ****s wearing SS uniforms.

 

Right, it never ceases to amaze me how "binary" American politics is in general, compared to other countries. This/that, black/white, right/wrong... leaves little room for accommodating third, fourth, or even 18 different perspectives. Crippling. Cheers.

 

Why nothing will ever truly change until we break free from the 2 party system George Washington, Thomas Jefferson and James Madison feared most. Mandatory voter registration and civic education would be nice to see too!

 

Long used incorrectly, the situation you bring up is more moblike group think than outright fascism. The political ambitions and demands between censor happy liberal youth and textbook fascism couldnt be more different.

 

But you can exhibit fascistic behaviour without being a proponent of Fascism (with a capital F).

 

I try to avoid politics when at a bar or with friends. Drinking and hanging out is my down time, I don't want to think, argue, debate I just want to relax from the week, etc. I understand what the article is saying but I think most would agree when they go out to the bar/pub they want to relax, not debate laws and current issues. Not to mention usually a argument results and mixing booze and anger = bad day out lol.

Cheers

 

Complete agreement, but i tend to prefer the use of the phrase "fascist like tendencies" for somewhat obvious historical reasons. And fascistic directly implies right wing doesn't it? Can extreme leftist fervor be fascistic? I think it's an interesting debate for sure!

 

I agree that more people need to hear things that make them uncomfortable and that challenge their beliefs.

 

Actually, the internet is the best place to do it because the exchanges don't have the opportunity to degenerate into yelling and violence. Words can be appreciate for what they are. Ideas.

 

@DovGibor, there is a fair bit of political discussion in this thread and it has not been closed (yet). What do you think about that?

Cheers!

 

x2. Poured out what I had, politely refuse when offered and engage people drinking it to ensure they know what they are supporting. For the same reason I gladly pay the snob tax for Patagonia gear, because I firmly believe in the causes they help fund, I'll put my wallet away for businesses that support causes I find abhorrent.

To each their own both politically and religious affiliation, but if you enter the realm of activism you reap the benefits and the cost as a package deal.

 

Everyone (businesses are included they are technically people too ) have the right to express themselves however they like. A political leaning of said business doesn't change my views on their product, but it can break a tie between a rival business. Take Chick fil a, it's run by bigots but they make great chicken. Line is a mile long regardless. Beer in my mind is no different, if you base all of your purchasing decisions on political thought you are totally going to miss out, and you take things WAAAYYY too seriously.

 

As has been said before, if you choose to draw this line in the sand, be prepared to have your options vastly limited.

 

I know I'm only the equivalent of a Twitter egg on this site, but if you ever find yourselves in Washington D.C. you should check out the Urban Adventures tour on this subject. I lead these tours and always find them to be most enjoyable when we've got an Aussie or Brit along to provide an international perspective, but the conversation (and beer) tends to flow smoothly no matter who's along for the ride.

https://www.urbanadventures.com/Washington-DC-tour-politics-pints-capitol-hill-tour