The best thing the left can do is not take the bait and be diligent in steering the conversation back to the day to day economic issues that actually affect the majority of working class people.
Sure, it shouldn’t be the focus of a campaign, but this strategy of caving to the right’s BS rhetoric simply does not work.
First off, it legitimizes their positions, when even democrats start spouting transphobic nonsense, it makes it seem like there’s legitimate concerns and a debate to be had, when in reality it’s just these far-right weirdos and conspiracy theorists talking nonsense.
Second, you’re concerned about alienating people for the sake of a small segment of the population, but by caving to the right’s rhetoric, you are not only alienating trans people but also allies, which is discussed in the article. How does that number actually compare to the number of people for whom trans acceptance is a deal breaker, but who aren’t just going to vote republican regardless?
Third, this does not stop at trans people, and certainly not at trans kids. Once they have demonstrated that they can demonize (and eventually exterminate) trans people, next they will come for other gay people. Trans bathroom bans have often led to cis lesbians being harassed because they don’t “look feminine enough.” The government is now talking about screening testosterone levels in cis men in the military.
Where will be in 20 years? Will cis men with long hair be forced to cut it off? Will women only be permitted to wear skirts?
These freaks are living in the 1800s, their values and agendas are absolutely not in line with the average person. But, they are able to advance their agenda by selling it one small step at a time, and they’re able to keep taking steps because the democrats keep caving and accommodating them, allowing them to redraw the line.
Where exactly is your line? Is there one? Or will you hold on to this logic of “it’s not worth standing up for such a small minority” all the way to the gas chambers?
Sure, it shouldn’t be the focus of a campaign, but this strategy of caving to the right’s BS rhetoric simply does not work.
First off, it legitimizes their positions, when even democrats start spouting transphobic nonsense, it makes it seem like there’s legitimate concerns and a debate to be had, when in reality it’s just these far-right weirdos and conspiracy theorists talking nonsense.
Second, you’re concerned about alienating people for the sake of a small segment of the population, but by caving to the right’s rhetoric, you are not only alienating trans people but also allies, which is discussed in the article. How does that number actually compare to the number of people for whom trans acceptance is a deal breaker, but who aren’t just going to vote republican regardless?
Third, this does not stop at trans people, and certainly not at trans kids. Once they have demonstrated that they can demonize (and eventually exterminate) trans people, next they will come for other gay people. Trans bathroom bans have often led to cis lesbians being harassed because they don’t “look feminine enough.” The government is now talking about screening testosterone levels in cis men in the military.
Where will be in 20 years? Will cis men with long hair be forced to cut it off? Will women only be permitted to wear skirts?
These freaks are living in the 1800s, their values and agendas are absolutely not in line with the average person. But, they are able to advance their agenda by selling it one small step at a time, and they’re able to keep taking steps because the democrats keep caving and accommodating them, allowing them to redraw the line.
Where exactly is your line? Is there one? Or will you hold on to this logic of “it’s not worth standing up for such a small minority” all the way to the gas chambers?