LibertyLizard

Why do you think Aptera will be better on this issue? I was very disappointed by the decision not to paint their vehicles. It’s hard to see how that won’t lead to a substandard product.

The issue is that I really don’t see people defending American imperialism on Lemmy. It is widely acknowledged and condemned, and if I saw people defending it, I would criticize it as well.

But none of that makes China not imperialist also. So when I see people defending the violence that the Chinese government inflicts on their neighbors and particularly minority and dissident groups within China, I have no choice but to call it out. The scope of their empire is smaller and weaker but empires are not capable of benevolence.

Imagine how you would feel if people were here saying “No, it’s good what the Americans did to your country and your family”. That’s the exact rhetoric we see from China’s defenders, and that’s why it needs to be called out.

And concern troll is no longer a term that has any meaning whatsoever thanks to folks like you who constantly misuse it.

Nah bro you came here to start shit and you did. Not sure why that surprises or upsets you. If you don’t like it then behave differently.

That was certainly rude but I’m trying to engage with everyone in good faith nonetheless. It’s hard but sometimes it pays dividends.

You’re being downvoted not only because of your position but because this is a very rude and hostile tone.

If you are trying to introduce people to a perspective outside of the norms for their community, this is a very ineffective way to do it.

Yeah I mean there is certainly a case to be made that US actions are threatening to China, and it’s also true that pro-US propaganda exists. These are good things to be aware of.

But I also think that this conversation about US vs Chinese interests does not adequately elevate the experiences of smaller countries in the region. Most of whom have voluntarily cooperated with the US to counter Chinese aggression.

Of course, it’s largely true that the US is pursuing their own interests in the region. But that fact does not mean we need to defend Chinese aggression. We should be looking at which actions are beneficial and liberatory to the people who live there, and which are harmful. In my view, Chinese activity is more harmful and imperialistic in the current context. But I am open to learning about and acknowledging the harms that the US is doing as well.

My issue with the Lemmy.ml perspective is that they view US actions in the most unfavorable light possible while viewing Chinese actions in the most positive light possible (usually in direct contradiction to the known facts). When this asymmetry in interpretation is pointed out, their community reacts with hostility or bans. Usually using some nebulous idea of racial prejudice as a justification.

It’s ironic because these are the exact same tactics used by apologists for Israel, which they absolutely hate over there. Authoritarians always use the same tactics it seems.

Yeah I was asking about the South China Sea. I think the summation of events there supports what OP posted and I’m curious if there is any alternative viewpoint that is factually supported.

The link you posted seems in line with my and OP’s views on the conflict.

While I appreciate challenging my worldview, the issue with Lemmy.ml is the users who tend to uncritically accept Russian and Chinese propaganda, and many are very hostile to outside perspectives. If there were open and good faith discussion I think it would be of more value, but instead they just ban anyone with outside perspectives. This type of “discussion” has little to contribute to the broader community.

On this specific issue I really haven’t seen anything that challenges the idea that China is engaging in imperialism here. Do you have any recommended reading that challenges the western narrative?

I’m aware of breakthroughs but even once we figure out how to generate electricity it may still take decades for it to become cost effective with alternatives. It’s going to be a long time.

Fusion won’t be ready for a long time yet. It won’t solve this problem.

Working with members of my community to solve problems and make life better for everyone.

Over the top is so much of an understatement that it’s almost a lie. They are using the conflict as an excuse to commit ethnic cleansing. It is not in any way a proportionate or even effective response if the goal is to protect Israeli citizens from further attacks.