smollston - Tumblr blog

[smollston]

Le Banquet, 1957 and 1958

by René Magritte

[smollston]

I’m amazed there’s people nostalgic for highschool and being a teenager literally when I feel super low I think “well at least I’ll never be 17 again” like a positive affirmation and it does make me feel better

[smollston]

Berthe Morisot (1841–1895) "the orange picker"

[smollston]

[smollston]

How to Argue Like an Asshole

Good evening, friends, let me tell you some Secrets on how to argue like (and with) assholes. I’m writing this because I keep running into a particular asshole, and I need to stop engaging with them, and so this is an instruction sheet for myself as well as you guys. 

First, try to avoid assholes; they don’t deserve your time and energy. But, if an Argument is unavoidable, here are a few tips on how to emerge unscathed. 

Let go of the idea that you’re going to win. 

You’re not gonna win. Nobody wins in an argument with an asshole. But, on the other hand, you can make them lose. You can deprive them of their entertainment and their triumph. 

How??? 

Do not present your side of this debate. 

This is so counter-intuitive for most of us who believe in things like, oh, science, or real facts, or the idea that real facts can be determined by science. Here’s a cool terrible thing about humans: certainty has nothing to do with facts. And when people are certain, that is when they become assholes. 

When someone’s only goal is to win an argument, any real evidence or facts you give them is just ammunition for them to turn against you. 

You will not convince them. So what should you be doing? 

Destroy their arguments.

This is a thing of joy, because it’s what assholes are used to doing. They are, at heart, morons who don’t know how to construct, only how to destroy. 

I used to be super emotional about arguments like this. I couldn’t think of anything to say while the other person ranted on about their horrifying bigotry. Now I’m a lawyer, and I’ve learned to weaponize my essentially nitpicky nature. For money. 

So here are some easy tactics you can remember and deploy: 

- Make them define the words they use. Nitpick the definitions. 

- Turn questions back on them. If they ask you “why do you believe x”, ask them why they believe y. If they pull some “I asked first” shit, ask them why they’re afraid to defend their beliefs. 

- Call them emotional.  If possible, pick out specific emotions. This is especially devastating when you’re debating a man, as he will get more emotional as a result. 

- “Why is that funny? I don’t get it.” Making people explain mean jokes can be a delight; they just wilt the more you question them about the underlying assumptions. 

- Laugh at any especially dumb shit. Like they use some slogan or catchphrase that’s obviously untrue, due to science, or essentially ridiculous, like “we’ve made America great again,” and you just blurt out laughing. If they get mad, tell them – oh, so sorry, I’ll shut up, I’m giving you the floor to talk about your beliefs. I’m respecting you. This is a goddamn power move. It gives you the high ground, and also the implied control over the situation. The floor belongs to you, but you are yielding it to someone because you can. 

- If they make an awkward exit, let them. Especially if they call the discussion “political.” It means they’re feeling attacked. Graciously allow them to retreat with their tail between their legs. If they storm off, allow them to do that too. Congratulations; you’ve ended the argument and you don’t have to deal with it anymore. 

Basically: hand the asshole a shovel, and let ‘em dig. Relieve yourself of the burden to convince them they are wrong, and just sour their fun instead. 

–

Additionally, these are the tactics that assholes use, consciously or subconsciously, all the time. Recognize them. Once you know what they are, you can become immune to the intimidation and belittling tactics. 

Good luck. 

[smollston]

Alexandr Romanychev - At the window (1968)

[smollston]

Nine Inch Nails lyrics.

I don't think we are doomed but it feels like it most days. We are told that humans are naturally selfish and competitive but that's not true at all. Human nature is social and cooperative. The only reason our species has survived this long is because of cooperation, community. Capitalism is what programs us to be selfish, teaches you "every man for himself" instead of how we are all connected. How many of us are watching the fire grow and thinking it won't reach us just because it's on the other side of the ocean? How many of us have killed our humanity because being aware of all the suffering was too uncomfortable? I refuse to kill my humanity, I refuse to stop imagining a better world.

[smollston]

Yellow Parenti you will always be famous

[smollston]

Egon Schiele - Port of Trieste - 1907

[smollston]

Fidus- On the Shore, 1897.

[smollston]

poster credited to the weathermen, later known as the weather underground organization

[smollston]

'stockholm syndrome' being invented by a police negotiator to explain away why a hostage said police actions were making her and the other hostages feel unsafe is like. yeah

[smollston]

“When you visit Canada”

“When Canada visits you”

[smollston]

Giovanni Lomi

[smollston]

international catholics: omg can’t believe our woke pope has used a slur… i feel so betrayed

italians:

[smollston]

“I don’t know what my goals are, no. Thanks for asking.”

[smollston]