No one person can represent an entire culture though. That’s why it’s on us to learn how to be respectful.

For example, someone from Mexico might be just fine with offensive Hispanic stereotypes, but that doesn’t excuse such behavior. You can’t just ask a random person for a pass, like what? Even asking for something like that would be utterly tasteless lmao

But cultural appreciation is not what is meant by “cultural appropriation.” Cultural appropriation is when it’s done in a disrespectful manner.

I grew up with some utterly racist experiences in school – the feather “headdress” and cardboard tipis, the sombreros on Cinco de Mayo, etc.

I wish I’d had someone at the time to explain why that was wrong.

To me, the term “cultural appropriation” refers to things like schools having kids make chicken feather “headdresses” to “celebrate” Native American Day, or wearing a religious symbol in a disrespectful way. Even though people like the person in the post can be annoying, I think it’s still progress that we’re able to have these discussions, and I think it’s too bad that for many people the takeaway seems to be “cultural appropriation is never problematic.” I’d take the person from the post any day over someone who thinks they’re immune from criticism when they unintentionally engage in behavior that truly is disrespectful.

“Drug users can never know for sure whether the substance they are buying is what it’s claimed to be” is a solid argument for decriminalization. (Not sure where Finland stands on that.)

Isn’t it talking about legal streaming services like Netflix, Tubi, Amazon, YouTube…

That’s not what I’m talking about. I’m talking about those other streaming sites. The only thing I found difficult to find on those sites is the Spanish dub of Sailor Moon, but I did find it after some searching. You can find virtually anything there.

True, but even then I rarely feel compelled to retain a local copy. I can stream anything for free, and the quality is fine.

I get the attraction of using torrents and watching everything on demand in perfect cinematic quality, but it’s not really a priority for me, excepting a small select handful of movies and shows.

Physical media is great, but my life is already filled with clutter, so only my very favorites are on the shelf.

Borrowing from the library works great, though.

“Look sir, my quest log is very, very full. If I get you this can of tuna, that’s it right? Just to that vendor and back again? This won’t lead me into some Dwemer ruins or Daedric temple?”

Same in our house, and we used to have all kinds of Goya stuff. Fortunately, it’s never been that high quality to begin with and can be easily replaced by alternatives.

Well then it’s a good thing you’re able to pay attention to all things at all times and look down from your high horse. Maybe some of us are paying too much attention to too many things at once, so solid advice, I’ll try to fix that.

I’ll start by blocking you.

#WashingtonWasRight

#ButAlsoHeWasKindOfAnAssInOtherWays

#ButRightAboutThis

Also, I love your username. I have two shiba inu.

I’m so sorry. I can only imagine the pain.

We have the ability to provide access to basic healthcare to our citizens, but we choose not to. And we have very few politicians who support universal healthcare. It’s unconscionable.

And then we’re supposed to feel enthused about voting for the candidate who’s gracious enough to harm fewer marginalized groups, rather than feeling perpetually depressed and miserable about the whole situation, which seems like a normal reaction.

Our “democracy” does this by design. Looking at history, it’s hard to believe we can ever fix this.

It’s really not very democratic, in the strict sense of the term

It’s exclusionary by design

This does sound familiar, sadly. But it also makes me feel like my city council rep is doing her best in a very bad situation.

Sadly, local politicians can’t even address the really impactful stuff, like trans youth being denied access to healthcare, or refugees being detained or deported.

Sometimes I really want to fucking off myself, this world is so hopelessly hateful and grim

Yeah, I can imagine

Gamer take

Democrats who only choose Democrats because the other choices more terrible

Literally me, and it’s super hard to do this when I have family and loved ones being detained or deported by a system that Democrats uphold, and neighbors suffering from lack of access to healthcare. Imagine seeing and experiencing all this and then being told that voting’s not enough – that we also can’t complain about it, lest we be dismissed as “Russian bots” or “Chinese shills.” Imagine never seeing certain people again, and then being told that I’m the one who’s privileged because I have the audacity to complain about it.

I’ve actually considered running for local office, but I decided against it for a couple reasons, one being my unusual work schedule, and the other being the fact that I can’t imagine being around politicians that much.

Anyway, it’s pretty clear we need more than elections to fix whatever it is this is.