People question stuff that doesn't fit with mainstream historical narratives. If they do some cursory digging and find out you're right -- as they will if you point out Tibet had slaves before communists freed them -- they'll trust you a bit more and be a bit more skeptical of sources that say otherwise/gloss over it. But if that cursory digging turns up something like "Cuba abolished slavery in 1886," they'll think you don't know what you're talking about, and they'll discount whatever else you're saying or write you off entirely.
I've tried it both ways, both in person and online. I've tried radical language and contestable claims like "shitty wage labor is wage slavery," and I've tried describing awful exploitation in terms that can't really be argued. The latter works far better, because someone who's still a little skeptical can't pick apart one of your points and derail the whole conversation. And you get that even from people who you can move left on other issues.
See assuming that anyone other than actual capitalists or mobilized reactionaries is "probably not a lefty in waiting" is pretty problematic for actually building a mass movement. There are plenty of people who would balk at being presented with what seems to be (and in some sense genuinely is) factually incorrect information who are absolutely reachable. As for the bit about cultural hegemony, there's a big difference between backing down from being thoroughly descriptive or fully radical in our claims, and avoiding counterproductive rhetorical flourishes. One costs us substantive and important parts of our program, the other costs us nothing but a few incendiary words
Even if you can't convince the person you're talking to, it's better to put forward a more coherent message for the people watching. It's always better to have fewer flaws in what you're saying, as it makes it more difficult for people to dismiss you out of hand (even if they're trying to!). There are people out there who value coherency, and a lot more people who'd at least like to tell themselves they do. Having a more factually sound case absolutely does help reach them, and on the internet at least you can never assume none of them are watching. Nothing is lost by not using imprecise and indefensible language, you can still make the actual atrocities involved very clear, and at least some small amount is gained. Given this, I fail to see any reason to engage in those sorts of rhetorical practices
This question is why we need to retire the "Castro freed slaves" meme.
People question stuff that doesn't fit with mainstream historical narratives. If they do some cursory digging and find out you're right -- as they will if you point out Tibet had slaves before communists freed them -- they'll trust you a bit more and be a bit more skeptical of sources that say otherwise/gloss over it. But if that cursory digging turns up something like "Cuba abolished slavery in 1886," they'll think you don't know what you're talking about, and they'll discount whatever else you're saying or write you off entirely.
deleted by creator
I've tried it both ways, both in person and online. I've tried radical language and contestable claims like "shitty wage labor is wage slavery," and I've tried describing awful exploitation in terms that can't really be argued. The latter works far better, because someone who's still a little skeptical can't pick apart one of your points and derail the whole conversation. And you get that even from people who you can move left on other issues.
deleted by creator
See assuming that anyone other than actual capitalists or mobilized reactionaries is "probably not a lefty in waiting" is pretty problematic for actually building a mass movement. There are plenty of people who would balk at being presented with what seems to be (and in some sense genuinely is) factually incorrect information who are absolutely reachable. As for the bit about cultural hegemony, there's a big difference between backing down from being thoroughly descriptive or fully radical in our claims, and avoiding counterproductive rhetorical flourishes. One costs us substantive and important parts of our program, the other costs us nothing but a few incendiary words
deleted by creator
Even if you can't convince the person you're talking to, it's better to put forward a more coherent message for the people watching. It's always better to have fewer flaws in what you're saying, as it makes it more difficult for people to dismiss you out of hand (even if they're trying to!). There are people out there who value coherency, and a lot more people who'd at least like to tell themselves they do. Having a more factually sound case absolutely does help reach them, and on the internet at least you can never assume none of them are watching. Nothing is lost by not using imprecise and indefensible language, you can still make the actual atrocities involved very clear, and at least some small amount is gained. Given this, I fail to see any reason to engage in those sorts of rhetorical practices
deleted by creator