I've got multiple white queer friends who are staunchly "vote blue no matter who" and dissolve into a trembling breakdown whenever they're asked about it, talking about how if republicans win the world is going to end etc. Like, full on angry-crying wojak, talking about third-party voting being a waste, Project 2025, etc. Coincidentally, these friends hardly ever engage with activism.

How do you choose to engage with these kinds of people? What's the general opinion on the vote in leftist circles, considering so many are refusing to vote for Biden (just checking the water temp since I've been largely offline save for activism and work lately)?

I've been away from Hexbear for a minute, apologies if this has been discussed!

walter

Edit: Really appreciating all the replies! Really glad I can reliably come here for good discussions. Thanks everyone quokka-smile Slash gen., in case it's needed.

  • PKMKII [none/use name]
    ·
    7 months ago

    My usual go to is, if you think the Republicans are that dangerous, then why are you voting for the party that thinks it’s very important to come to a middle ground with them? Either they concede, or implicitly admit they don’t actually think the Republicans are that dangerous, or they appeal to standards and norms fetishizing, in that case you corner them that they’re really concerned about the standards and norms with marginalized people as a fig leaf.

    That being said, if your primary concern is that they’re not engaged in activism, well it’s probably better to just take a “do you want to do the bare minimum of civics?” tactic. Like if you can get them to show up and organize for the good fight, what does it matter that they keep doing the vote song and dance?

    • pixelghost [any]
      hexagon
      ·
      7 months ago

      Extremely thoughtful reply, thank you!