In any group protesting for something good, if there’s a single objectionable thing said or done, the entire protest is illegitimate. But in a group of torch-bearing fascists, if there’s even one person I think has a valid complaint, the entire group must get a sympathetic hearing.
If there is not a single objectionable thing said or done we’ll just act as though there was
Yes. I’ve experienced this *very* (and very maddening) scenario in many actual conversations with supposedly reasonable and fair people.
This is why despite having serious problems with how the pro-Palestinian movement handles antisemitism, I can't really bring myself to agree with a lot of the news critiquing the pro-Palestinian protests on this basis, not only because of that asymmetry, but also abusing selection effects.
It comes down to who the groups are opposing The student protests are opposing state actions and calling for an end to something the country is officially and militarily engaged in - hence, criticism is unacceptable and must be stamped outIt comes down to who the groups are opposing The student protests are opposing state actions and calling for an end to something the country is officially and militarily engaged in - hence, criticism is unacceptable and must be stamped out
Yep, and this is how you can tell which group someone identifies more closely with.