[Someone] = Stereotypical leftist adjacent person who (semi)frequents the mainstream web. Curious in this whole socialism thing, has very little theoretical knowledge.

Scenario: They've come to you complaining about the quality of their time online worsening and how they're looking for what they say is a "Open-Minded Community" They have already tried places like r/socialism and say: "They're way too snobby and book heavy."

You ask them what they think about socialism and they say: "Well I don't really know, but Zahran seems pretty cool, maybe it's possible to have a good version of it." "I know the Soviet Union failed, but given how tyrannical Stalin was, maybe it's because they had bad leaders."

What would be your approach be?

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[–] CupcakeOfSpice@hexbear.net 2 points 1 week ago (1 children)

Ye. I like restorative justice and redemption where possible. It may not always be possible, I'll reluctantly admit, but when it is. And I don't think you sounded accusing. My brain interpreted the comment as "should we act more appealing to the general audience," and I wasn't in favor of that. We have a unique culture that isn't for everybody, but that's what grad and .ml are for.

[–] purpleworm@hexbear.net 2 points 1 week ago

Oh yeah, that's understandable. I disagree with some of the things that also make us less appealing to a general audience (I tend to be anti murder fantasy) but only on the grounds that it's bad for the mental health and social adjustment of the people doing it and, insofar as it has a political character, is reactionary. But my original comment wasn't about it changing or not changing, just that things like that make us generally bad as a radicalization pipeline for naive moderates, so OP shouldn't direct their friends to us (yet?)

Anyway, I think I'm just talking in circles.