Fascists will waste your time
This one took me on a journey. Honestly, I have found it difficult to find any passion to speak right now, given the state of... everything. Like, how do you even muster the energy day in day out? It's ironic because (incoming douchebag moment) now is the type of time when voices like mine probably matter most. Ugh. I hate how that felt to type.
This video started as me just venting my frustration that liberals always take fascist arguments at face value, and evolved into what I think is a pretty potent expression of how to speak back to fascism. Fascism, of course, requires a greater response than speech, but I'm not that guy. I'm the talky guy, so that's what I believe I can help with. My bona fides? I've made a life and career out of arguing against fascism, and you're here paying me, so you must think I'm at least pretty good at it.
Long story short; Fascists are full of shit in ways that you cannot even imagine them being, and their goal in any argument is just to be obstructive little shits. We have to, like, not let them do that?
Honestly, in my humble opinion, this is the best video I've ever made. At the end of long projects I often feel that way, but this one especially so. I feel like I got something back working on this. A sense of purpose that I had been missing. I've had a lot of ups and downs with my identification as a "political" YouTuber for the past few years. I've struggled with what that meant, what responsibilities it implied, and whether my voice is even useful in these discussions.
Looking back, it's clear to me that it definitely... is? Like, in a time when we're ruled by such ignorance and chaos, the barrier to being a voice for good has never been lower, and I think it took me making this video to see that. To trust myself, and realize that I've been the subject of the type of fascist gaslighting I critiqued in the video.
To put it succintly: Alright gamers, let's go, we're so back!
Comments (27)
You give me hope that there's a way out of this. Thank you, your words are good and inspiring and I re-listen to this video every time I need to refresh my energy for fighting this shit. 💜💜💜
Don’t say your videos have no value! You played a significant role in turning this cynical 41 year old from a bland centrist into a certified lefto
Enjoyed your work for a long time. This video demanded I help out a little on Patreon.
Amazing work, thank you as always
Yeah this was incredibly well thought out and great.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I cannot stress enough how important your work is to so many people, myself (obvs) included. I deeply appreciate you and all of your work here, and elsewhere. This is possibly one of-if not THE most impactful serious thing you've done, IMO. 💚✊
It's an excellent video. It's clarifying and honest and I feel more hopeful for watching it.
Videos like this are so vital. I hate to admit it but constantly being gaslit by zionists and fascists has a way of grinding me down. It doesn't change my mind but I get more anxious about actions and I shrink myself. It gets under your skin. Stuff like this helps me give my head a shake and get out there.
Would you be up to posting a transcript of this essay? Everyone here is right: it's one of your best and there are so many people who need to hear it. My sibling is one and can't do video essays (or much filmed media) because of auditory processing disorder, but they love reading transcripts and articles
Second this! Transcripts are great for a lot of different type of disabilities I can think of - Including my own.
LOVED THIS. Planning to share the YT link with family and friends.
holy hell you're alive. got worried when Forever Knight-a-thon, the premier event of the winter season, was cancelled halfway through. welcome back!
thankyou for your work
This is very well argued. Hope more people listen this time
The deep, deep shame I felt watching this, knowing I've wasted days or weeks of my life arguing with them because my brain can't accept that they aren't willing to actually learn or listen, was intense. But also a good thing.
I am not being hyperbolic when I say this: This is brilliant. Seriously, this may well be your magnum opus. You make so many excellent points in such simple language that it’s honestly amazing!
Great video, and don't for a second think your work has no value. Your thoughtful perspective has shed insight on experiences of my own, the gift of prophecy is simply sharing our knowledge.
this is a good video, and your description of how fascists use arguments makes me think of how career creationists use arguments.
Thank you for this video, excellent work as always. Also, I love the based librarian aesthetic.
LFG!
That was magnificent. You really earned yourself those bees.
I appreciate this, and going to watch. That said, while your voice is valued, I'm not going to begrudge anyone feeling just not great and creative. It's a rough time.
Goddamn I love your takes. This is really my philosophy for talking to fascists. Show no respect and call them stupid as much as possible. It really upsets them.
Brilliant work, will be sharing when this gets on youtube. Thank you
Oof. I'm not ready to watch this yet. For work I've had to spend the past week documenting racist alt-right harassment of my colleagues & coordinating response with threat assessors. I'm soul tired. 😞💔 But thank you for doing this work. I appreciate you. Keep practicing self-care.
Glad you work somewhere that cares enough to have someone do that at least.
I can't wait to watch. Is this what took the forever knight a thon from us before its time?