So there is this guy at my college (UK) and he is a monarchist and definitely right wing and the topic of Daunte Wright’s Murder came up in conversation and he was excusing the cops actions, which is just disgusting. He was saying that down to nerves the cop didn’t realise it was a gun and also brought up that Daunte had a warrant on him, which I have not heard of.
So the guy is a **** and burden on society (makes racist, homophobic, transphobic jokes) and at the time I wanted to prove him wrong and educate his ass but I didn’t know how, so how can I deal with a situation like this?
Sometimes people this repulsive already do a good job isolating themselves into an echo chamber. Maybe just treating him like he’s not someone you want to associate with will inspire others to do the same.
Most people don’t really trust the cops - you might be surprised. The rhetoric that reactionaries like this individual use in debate just muddies the waters and makes it worse (they will sealion, strawman, etc.). Sometimes it’s enough to leave it at “Then why are so many minorities dying in cop interactions while so many white mass-murderers get taken alive? Weird, huh?” and let it be known his statements aren’t a consensus.
You can’t get rid of these social structures by trying to control others’ interactions and perceptions, it just leads to more of the same. Live by example and let it spite them instead. And never let them use your name; if the guy tries to show common ground between the two of you let it be known there isn’t any.
I don’t think ignoring and isolating someone is ever a real solution. If OP wants the possibility of a positive outcome he should get to know this guy beyond politics. Everyone always has more in common once they get to know each other. Living by example is good advice, but if his goal is to spite someone else that is not living by an example worth following.
Ever? Because that sounds like the same logic victim-blamers use to get victims to stick with their abusers. Isolating yourself from someone is in many cases the absolute best option. So let’s not be hyperbolic.
Being tolerant to the intolerant is a flawed strategy, so much so that it has a name: The paradox of tolerance.
Likewise when you tolerate another person’s intolerance you are showing them that their bigotry and hatred is simply a difference of opinion. This is dangerous because these are not simply differences in opinions. These beliefs reinforce systemic structures that get people killed day in and day out. By treating such opinions like just that - opinions - you are legitimizing oppressive structures. Even if your intent is to disprove these oppressive opinions through debate, the issue is that the simple act of debating is enough to bring legitimacy to a dangerous ideology. You are essentially telling minority groups that their right to exist is simply another talking point which is up for debate and questioning, while telling the bigot that their ideas are acceptable in day to day life. They absolutely shouldn’t be.