I know it’s used toward Trumpist politicians so far. Was the context such that “weirdo” was the only sensible choice?

I feel troubled by this because Keep Austin Weird, Keep Portland Weird, etc., which is normally celebrated. And I’m weird.

  • gravitas_deficiency
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    2 months ago

    Ok so this feels a lot like borrowed/manufactured concern or outrage. Thats why you’re getting downvoted, and I admit it looks like that to me too.

    But if your question does happen to be genuine: it’s because it’s one of the most hilariously simple rhetorical shots that anyone has made at the GOP and Trump + Vance. The fact that they’re so bent out of shape and CLEARLY upset by being called “weird” is weird by itself, in the most negative connotation of the word. Not to mention, most people who consider themselves “weird” - including myself - would respond to being weird with something between “hell yeah dude fist bump” and “hell yeah dude. Go fuck yourself”, depending on the context and delivery of the original comment. The fact that they’re SUPER upset about being called weird is the primary fact that’s being made fun of here, as well as the fact that, well, the things they are fixating on, and a ton of their campaign positions, are objectively outright weird. It’s leaning on linguistic subtleties and flexibility to take a shot at fascists and live rent-free in their heads, and to most people, it’s absolutely fucking hilarious that it seems to be working.

    • bec@lemmy.nzOP
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      2 months ago

      it looks like that to me too

      Genuine question. I do want to engage in discussing political matters—well, some days, when I’m up for it—but I’m hesitant because I expect to be viewed with some paranoia. I will do my best not to even look at votes. If I snark on headlines for some time, which I would enjoy, maybe enough people will figure out I’m not something bad.