• coleandfries@discuss.tchncs.de
    ·
    1 year ago

    While true, and I am hardly a simp for laws and political climate in the US, for me the key distinction is that in the US (and other liberal democracies) you at least have the agency to do something to improve your situation.

    Those who have not lived under oppressive authoritarian regimes don't have the lived-through perspective of hopelessness that comes from knowing your hands are bound, and there's not much you can do to get out of the situation, outside of migrating to another country.

    Now the reality for regulatory capture and smooth talking politicians convincing people to vote against their best interests in the West may not in reality result in really personal agency, the mere prospect of being allowed to do something about your situation itself is a powerful motivator.

    • queermunist she/her@lemmy.ml
      ·
      1 year ago

      My life will never get better and I live in hell, fuck off with your "you at least have the agency to do something to improve your situation." There's nothing I can fucking do either!

      You only have agency if you have money. I will never retire unless I take out a 9mm plan.

    • knfrmity@lemmygrad.ml
      ·
      1 year ago

      New Sinophobic article just dropped:

      Chinese people don't have agency, anonymous source told RFA

      Half of Americans may be living paycheck to paycheck and burdened with unplayable debt, but at least they have the agency to change their situation