We disagree that Scott’s post is a useful thing to write. I agree with everything he says, but expect it to convince less than zero people to support his position.
I found it useful, as someone who wasn’t aware of the issue (having gotten this bad). I might also find further value in the discussion the post has led to. For example, this post I’m commenting on, has shed some light on (how people use the words) “conflict theorist” and “mistake theorist”.
I also found it’s focus on the benefits of diverse approaches to problem solving useful—it’s nice to read something where people take principles seriously instead of using “virtue labels” when they like things and “vice labels” when they don’t.
Thus, I expect the post to backfire.
Backfire how? Your arguments suggest a possible waste of time, not negative causal effects.
Backfire specifically in the sense that, like you, others also gain the belief that there is more and broader support for the anti-philanthropy position than they thought, and that the cool in-group people are taking the argument seriously. And the question of whether to be against the thing gets more publicity. Thus, resulting in more anti-philanthropic actions and momentum. Claiming there’s a serious debate about whether to take group action to scapegoat disliked group is not likely, all things being equal, to cause less trouble. Thought this was pretty explicit?
I agree there was useful content there, and certainly would have suggested making those points another way if this was going to not get posted.
I found it useful, as someone who wasn’t aware of the issue (having gotten this bad). I might also find further value in the discussion the post has led to. For example, this post I’m commenting on, has shed some light on (how people use the words) “conflict theorist” and “mistake theorist”.
I also found it’s focus on the benefits of diverse approaches to problem solving useful—it’s nice to read something where people take principles seriously instead of using “virtue labels” when they like things and “vice labels” when they don’t.
Backfire how? Your arguments suggest a possible waste of time, not negative causal effects.
Backfire specifically in the sense that, like you, others also gain the belief that there is more and broader support for the anti-philanthropy position than they thought, and that the cool in-group people are taking the argument seriously. And the question of whether to be against the thing gets more publicity. Thus, resulting in more anti-philanthropic actions and momentum. Claiming there’s a serious debate about whether to take group action to scapegoat disliked group is not likely, all things being equal, to cause less trouble. Thought this was pretty explicit?
I agree there was useful content there, and certainly would have suggested making those points another way if this was going to not get posted.