If you've been in the comment section of any website on the interwebz, chances are you've come across many thoughtless, conversation stopping cliches I'm about to list here in this diary. I feel the need to make this list because I'm getting tired of seeing them pop up everywhere I go. I know that hoping we can have real, actual conversations without these terms or cliches popping up is a pipe dream, but one can hope, right?
As you go through this list, just remember that these cliches are used entirely for the sake of shutting down or controlling conversation. They wouldn't be shouted from the rooftops otherwise.
I'll do my best to remain as unbiased as possible, but that can be very difficult to do at times with some subjects. With that said, here we go below the orange flip.
1. Social Justice Warrior, or SJW for short
This is one term I've seen in comment sections quite a bit as of late. Mostly you see this one hurled by the #GamerGate crowd at anyone who tries to point out the despicable things the movement has done and continue to do for the sake of staying relevant. I despise GG, and if I were to go any further here as to why, that'd require a whole other diary.
2. Socialist/Communist
Anyone who has left-wing leanings is almost automatically slapped with this label regardless of their views on any particular subject or issue. This can go from anyone who advocates for single payer to those who feel a living wage should be the standard.
3. Liberal/Libtard/Lib
These days, Liberal has become an insult. The term 'Libtard' adds insult to injury because it assumes that anyone who doesn't agree with conservative viewpoints, especially here in the states. The term Liberal in general is often used in such a way that the other side thinks we should always be on our knees, apologizing just for having opposing views. It's been used so much that it's lost any meaning whatsoever, similarly to Socialist and Communist above.
4. Conservatard/TeaTard
As much as I despise American Conservatism and the Tea Party at large, this is equally as unacceptable as the word 'Libtard'. It's okay to vehemently disagree with right-wing ideology without calling someone a Conservatard or a TeaTard. Doing so brings one down to their level and kills whatever credibility one's arguments might have.
5. Conspiratard/Birther/Truther
These are often used to describe conspiracy theorists, especially those of the Alex Jones or Fox News persuasion. Stupid conspiracies about the UN, Obama, or the Moon Landing are easy enough to disprove on their own without the use of these three.
6. VictimBux
This one appeared in the comment section of a diary regarding a guy who wrecked his mom's Prius on the way to Brianna Wu's house. Obviously used to describe someone who is a professional victim, in this case, Wu.
The problem is, those who campaign for 'VictimBux' are everywhere. Take a look at some of the leaders of the Men's Rights Movement. These folks do everything they can to piss off MRAs to pump up their Paypal accounts, yet despite all the money they raise, we don't see a single men's shelter, scholarship or anything to benefit men. Moving on.
7. Feminazi/White Knight/Mangina
Speaking of the MRA, these three are very common in their terminology. These are often used to describe anyone who doesn't subscribe to MRA ideology...or in the case of the term White Knight, it's anyone who an MRA thinks is defending women from harassment or criticism.
Meanwhile, the MRAs are quick to do the very thing they claim to hate when a female MRA is simply criticized . Yes, there are female MRAs, but that in no way legitimizes them any more than a few sock accounts claiming to be minority or female legitimize the shitstorm known as GamerGate.
8. Statist/Big Government
These are used quite a bit by many who claim to be Libertarians and by many Republicans. Government is the enemy according to them and the only solution is 'Limited' Government, though the way they talk, you'd think they want no government at all with no thought to policy or what it actually does.
Conclusion
I'm sure there are plenty more where that came from, but these are the main ones I see all over the interwebz. I compiled this list hoping to bring about awareness, but also because I'd hate to see this site become another youtube, 4chan or Reddit. I know we're only human, but please, let's at least try to be better than that. If that comes off as self-righteous, I'm truly sorry. But one can only take seeing thoughtless terms like SJW without wanting to punch the monitor as I have.
See you around,
Homer