6 ms·

Probably one of the most polarizing issues of the last 5 years.

Insanity 28d ago
I don't recall it being as polarizing outside of the US, where there was a larger group of anti-vaxxers to begin with. But that might be my "outside US" bubble.
- estearum 28d ago
  And, critically, a malignant narcissist in the highest office.
- user43928 28d ago
  I don't know how things were in the US, but it was polarizing in Europe too. People were holding protests. I know two friends who refused to get the vaccine and downloaded forged documents to be admitted into bars and clubs. Very anecdotal, but after we went out together they both contracted Covid and had a high fever, while I luckily remained healthy.
- MFHava 28d ago
  Oh it was, actually still is - our right wing party is still talking about this stuff regularly...
epistasis 28d ago
"Polarizing" is a word that kind of applies, especially if one is trying to be polite, but really it's one of the most politically disinformed issues in a long long time. A bunch of grifters pushed fear, uncertainty, and doubt for personal gain, at the expense of the health of the nation. I try not to blame people who got tricked, but at some point we need to treat people like adults who are responsible for their own actions, and hold them accountable for the harm they perpetuate by believing BS and acting on it. A democracy cannot function when its members are low-functioning, and when bad information dominates. Those who spread disinformation, relish the conspiracy and disinformation because it makes them feel special emotionally, and wallow in the mess of it, are hurting us all.
- Arkhaine_kupo 28d ago
  > A democracy cannot function when its members are low-functioning, and when bad information dominates. A discussion as old as time. Plato considered voting a skill, and if you were shit at it, then you shouldnt be voting
SideburnsOfDoom 28d ago
You're not wrong, at least in the USA - but it really shouldn't be. The polarisation was ginned up for various bad reasons, including political gain. It's deadly culture war nonsense.

I don't recall it being as polarizing outside of the US, where there was a larger group of anti-vaxxers to begin with. But that might be my "outside US" bubble.

estearum 28d ago
And, critically, a malignant narcissist in the highest office.
user43928 28d ago
I don't know how things were in the US, but it was polarizing in Europe too. People were holding protests. I know two friends who refused to get the vaccine and downloaded forged documents to be admitted into bars and clubs. Very anecdotal, but after we went out together they both contracted Covid and had a high fever, while I luckily remained healthy.
MFHava 28d ago
Oh it was, actually still is - our right wing party is still talking about this stuff regularly...

epistasis 28d ago

"Polarizing" is a word that kind of applies, especially if one is trying to be polite, but really it's one of the most politically disinformed issues in a long long time. A bunch of grifters pushed fear, uncertainty, and doubt for personal gain, at the expense of the health of the nation. I try not to blame people who got tricked, but at some point we need to treat people like adults who are responsible for their own actions, and hold them accountable for the harm they perpetuate by believing BS and acting on it. A democracy cannot function when its members are low-functioning, and when bad information dominates. Those who spread disinformation, relish the conspiracy and disinformation because it makes them feel special emotionally, and wallow in the mess of it, are hurting us all.

Arkhaine_kupo 28d ago
> A democracy cannot function when its members are low-functioning, and when bad information dominates. A discussion as old as time. Plato considered voting a skill, and if you were shit at it, then you shouldnt be voting

SideburnsOfDoom 28d ago

You're not wrong, at least in the USA - but it really shouldn't be. The polarisation was ginned up for various bad reasons, including political gain. It's deadly culture war nonsense.