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.
No comments:
Post a Comment