Kingdom of Knuffel

There was a very interesting and little known-twist to that famous experiment. It wouldn't work if the "teacher" was literally ordered to zap the subject. The researchers could say lots of stuff, "We need to finish the study" or "You committed to doing this." and the "teacher" would push the subject all the way to the "kill" level, but if the instruction were an explicit order such as "You must push the button" or "I order you to push the button" the answer was always, always, always no.

The take away is that it is hard to order someone to do something they know is wrong, but if you suggest it to them their conscience might not kick in.

I heard about that study and was sickened by it and prefer not to think of it. Hard to hear that stuff with things you know has happened already and you hear rumors of your country's government doing little tricks to get the things they want.

I have too much wishful thinking but I think that is what keeps me going.

Moi you are right. You don't have to like things or support it but just don't be a dick isn't too hard. Or at least to me it's not hard to do. I just hope something good comes soon.

Seems now that people are saying Melina is refusing to go to the White House because of her son and Trump seems to think he will actually be able to stay there as often as he wants. I laughed at them both. And found some people saying she was in the wrong because of the taxpayers being screwed over because of her choice. And alot of people pointing out what previous presidents and their families did with their kids and none of it hurt them. Not too sure how to take that though. The whole her refusing to go. I do find it a bit selfish and it would screw alot of things up. Not like the secret service has an easy job to begin with; now she justs wants to make it even harder.

It's just another example of how easily norms are breaking down right now...

Honestly, I'm still having a really hard time talking about this stuff. Protesting helps.

Right now, the conservatives have more of a platform in the media than the left, so there's a lot people don't understand about the art of protest and the role protest has played in the tradition of the left and radical politics in America.

Protests feel pretty good. That's the first thing. When you're feeling frightened and alone, the feeling of solidarity and strength that comes from being with a massive group of people who share your fear and rage is extremely comforting. There's strength in numbers, and sometimes the only way to see that strength is to literally hit the street by the thousands. Protest also operates as a public forum for the left. Protests create a space for us to share our ideas and network with each other.

At the moment, the daily protests across the country are serving the purpose of building and strengthening local communities. Those of us who have been involved in social justice are meeting newcomers to the cause at these protests and we're helping them figure out which local groups need their help. I personally am considering joining SURJ (Show Up for Racial Justice). Their mission is to organize white people to stand up for racial justice. I think a lot of their tactics really mesh well with mine. For example, calling people in instead of calling people out. The idea is that when we, as white folk, call other white folk out for having or supporting racist views we're shutting them down. But if we call them in, by providing them with the education they need and encouraging them to actually evaluate and deconstruct their views, we can actually change minds and hearts. I think it's really important for white people to do this work because a) white people are the biggest beneficiaries of racism and b) people of color shouldn't be expected to have to constantly defend their existence.

I just hope something good comes from everything. With how things are going in this country and this world, this country needs to get it's crap together. It's hard to believe that the US is actually the power house I guess you can say of the world. Weird considering how things are right now with many people around the world not understanding how we got Trump as the president elect.

Pwale, what is your take on the whole Melina and son not moving to the White House?

It's a giant waste of tax payer money, but it's also a distraction from more important issues. Like Trump's former campaign managers being a part of his transition team (remember, the first guy quit because he was caught on video assaulting a reporter and the second guy quit after the New York Times discovered he'd been secretly working for Russia and had been secretly paid by the toppled former Ukrainian government which was overthrown due to corruption and collusion with Russia).

Or the fact that Trump's been using his meetings with foreign leaders to press his personal business interests.

Or the fact that a ton of white nationalists and neo-nazis are being named to cabinet positions.

The Melania story is just a distraction, even if it will cost the taxpayers and the New York City city government a ridiculous amount of money.

Wow haven't heard about the neo nazi crap or that he's actually using meetings for that. Damn, good distraction for sure. Sad that this other stuff isn't being as reported. People need to know this stuff.

People don't WANT to know this stuff. That's part of the problem. People want to stop thinking about politics and they want to continue on with their lives as if nothing is wrong. It's not that these stories aren't being reported, they are, but people aren't paying attention to the news.

I haven't heard any of it yet. No where on the internet and haven't seen the new episode of Daily Show yet. I hope they talk about it at least. I can understand people want to move on with their lives but this kinda involves them so they should pay attention. Sad how some people are.

Here's a story about some media nonsense. Recently a group of neo-nazis had a big party in D.C. celebrating Trump's win. It was evil and disgusting. Then CNN ran a story about it. Now, the actual story was condemning it, but their headline read "Alt-Right Founder Questions If Jews Are People."

So the entire story ended up being about the CNN headline.

Instead of the nazi who said Jews aren't people.

Because the media is way too distracted by shiny objects.

Ugh.

http://www.motherjones.com/media/2016/1 ... ews-people