Friday, September 4, 2015

SJWs Always Lie: A Review

We live in a time of rapid change. Here in America, we're seeing historical monuments torn down, institutions radically altered, and ever-intensifying division along racial and class lines. While this is certainly a feature of any late democracy, it is not yet time to write the eulogy. Whatever happens, whether we see our old ways of life restored, or a new, as-yet-undetermined social order rises from the ashes of the old, this is not the time for despair. Nor is it the time for optimism. This is the time for action. History is belongs to those who show up... count me in attendance. I'm seeking knowledge and direction and in that search I recently read a book written by "The Most Hated Man in Science Fiction." You might know him better as Vox Day.


Vox Day is both a video game designer and a writer, though I mainly know him for the latter. I first discovered his Alpha Game blog by accident some years ago. After reading a few articles I found my way to his main blog, Vox Popoli, and was an instant fan. Vox is a self-described libertarian that has a keen grasp of both economics and history, among other things. He is also a very intelligent man, and it shows in his work. At times he can seem a bit crude--and quite often very rude--but there's no disputing his methods, given what they've done for his notoriety(and success) in his many endeavors. Indeed, it is times like these when we need men like Vox the most. When the wicked and stupid grow bold, it takes the wicked and brilliant to put them in their place. If this frightens you, understand that the latter know better than to drive society off a cliff based on feeeeeeelings. Vox is certainly doing his part in turning the tide, and this book is now central to not only his efforts but that of many others, including my own.


The book's full title, SJWs Always Lie: Taking Down the Thought Police conveys the purpose of the book in its entirety. The subject matter focuses on SJWs.(short for Social Justice Warriors) SJWs are a pervasive group of individuals who proclaim inclusivity and tolerance by their words, but by their actions promote race hatred, misandry, and now--if anti-GamerGate's recent apologetics is any indication--pedophilia. Vox explains SJW behavior through a number of real-world examples, in addition to Vox's 3 Laws of SJWs, which state:
1. SJWs Always Lie
2. SJWs Always Double Down
3. SJWs Always Project


Vox provides a detailed case study and analysis of his long-standing feud with SF author John Scalzi to better illustrate his points, and form the basis of future analyses. It serves the dual purpose of also establishing Vox's own credibility on the subject, as he makes it clear he is no stranger to SJWs and their tactics. He also describes other situations, such as the ouster of former Mozilla CEO Brandon Eich, in order to show how SJWs typically attack their targets. He provides a step-by-step process by which SJWs dispatch their targets and retain control over the larger culture.

From there, the book provides a summary of GamerGate, one whose influence I can proudly endorse. I've recently reconnected with an old friend after some years apart. We used to discuss politics and culture with each other for hours on end, so SJWs and current cultural topics inevitably surfaced. Ironically, over the years I've gone from being culturally milquetoast to a considerably firmer stance, while my friend has done the opposite. When GamerGate came up, my friend did his own research, and had concerns about them due to the media coverage surrounding the movement. Ever the unapologetic shitlord, I referred him to DeepFreeze.it and a few other sites, but it was admittedly a lot to process at once. When I bought this book, I took advantage of Castalia House's policy on DRM and sent him a copy. Vox's summary did an excellent job of clarifying what the movement is really all about, and put the media's behavior and accusations into the larger context of SJWs. My friend feels inspired by the work of GamerGate and the people in it. That, combined with his complete apathy to video games, says more about both this section of the book and GamerGate in general than anything else I could include here.

The latter half of the book discusses the practical aspects of how to strike back against SJWs: how to keep them out of your organization, how to survive an attack, how to counterattack, and ultimately how to retake our society from SJWs and their ultimately destructive world view. Since I am already duly aware of the effects that Social Justice Convergence is having on our society, I am most interested in this section, and if you and I share concerns I've no doubt you will be, too. The first half of the book is an excellent introduction to the concept of SJWs, and why they merit a different response than the unrequited respect they are usually shown. The second follows good practices with regards to PR, and incorporates 4th Generation Warfare tactics. I would consider this essential reading for any person of conscience who finds themselves in a position of responsibility in an organization, from CEOs and board members to receptionists and grounds keeping supervisors. There's also a fantastic treatise on proper etiquette when duelling SJWs that you really need to read.
 
The final chapter is meant to serve as a primer to rhetoric and dialectic. This is an essential chapter, as it covers concepts that are too often skimmed over or simply left out of education, these days. In the past week alone, I've seen no less than three otherwise competent people lament the inability of some to operate within the realm of logic. These concepts are not new, but even today they stump intelligent people on a daily basis. Even those familiar with the concepts will find this section a helpful refresher. Aristotle's Rhetoric, among others, has been added to my reading list thanks to this book.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone whose values extend beyond superficial feelings. It's important to note that this book is not a rejection of free speech or anything of the sort. Rather, it is a field guide to preserve that which makes our society worth participating in and sustaining. Orwell said, "People sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because rough men stand ready to do violence on their behalf." Indeed, this is as true on the battlefield as it is in the boardroom and the town hall. I am well-acquainted with the men and women who do not wish to dirty their hands by engaging in such tactics--indeed, I once was one of their number. However, we must ultimately accept that we are engaged in a culture war with a foe that will take our kindness as weakness at any opportunity. Cultural wars are even more damaging than political ones; the enemies you encounter in the latter may throw your body in prison or even end your life, but those you encounter in the former threaten to imprison your mind and destroy your livelihood to suit their whims. Self-defense is not a sin, and we should not treat it as such. Time will tell if SJWs Always Lie becomes a central part of the escalating culture war, but if its ability to rally and instruct my sample size of two is any indication, I predict it will.(and for the record, my friend bought the book to support the author, even though I gave it to him for free. Take notes, publishers.)

Coming soon: an open letter to John Scalzi regarding previous statements he's made.

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