Post AXRgfzrZ0gJuEwLD8a by julianfairfax@fosstodon.org
 (DIR) More posts by julianfairfax@fosstodon.org
 (DIR) Post #AXRgfxNiEhFmXmMLKa by Brendanjones@fosstodon.org
       2023-06-30T17:26:57Z
       
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       I really love the #filters here on #Mastodon. Unlike on previous corporate-owned platforms I’ve used, Mastodon filters allow me to hide one major source of traffic: the US. English is my primary language and America and its culture floods the anglosphere. I’m Australian and Dutch. I wish the best for Americans but I have no need to be kept up to date on every detail of the latest horrible thing happening in that country. See the pics for a sample of my US filters.
       
 (DIR) Post #AXRgfyGewPCpIC4Dya by Brendanjones@fosstodon.org
       2023-06-30T17:33:15Z
       
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       I actually like to be kept abreast of major happenings in the US, just like I want to follow major events the world over. But so much news coming out of the US is toxic. I can’t fix it, and it’s not my fight. Watching the US feels like watching the collapse of an empire, and that constant negativity is draining. The hyper individualism, the fascism, race politics, hatred of women, love of guns, capitalist grindset … I just don’t want that culture infecting my life.
       
 (DIR) Post #AXRgfz3a0WKzjuxIEC by Brendanjones@fosstodon.org
       2023-06-30T17:40:31Z
       
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       The #US had for too long had an outsized influence on the world. Culturally, economically, ecologically, and in the capture of our attention. It’s time for the whole world to have a voice and be heard, and that can’t happen when our attention is held hostage by one nation. With the fediverse offering the decommodification of our attention, I hope the focuses of our attention can also be dehomogenised.
       
 (DIR) Post #AXRgfzrZ0gJuEwLD8a by julianfairfax@fosstodon.org
       2023-07-01T15:49:16Z
       
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       @Brendanjones While I agree that the US should not be a hegemon. I have to say I don't believe the whole world should have a voice. The US might be behind Europe and a few other countries in many ways, but it is not a dictatorship. There are people suffering in the US, but there are countries where people suffer more, where democracy doesn't exist. I don't think those countries should have their voices heard.
       
 (DIR) Post #AXRgg0gxvZR8oMOGG0 by rakyat@hachyderm.io
       2023-07-07T07:34:46Z
       
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       @julianfairfax In that case the solution is to pay more attention to the world outside of the US instead of just American politics isn’t it? Sure there’s plenty of places in the world where there’s less freedom, but have you listened to their people? They are no less vocal, if restricted in some ways in their home countries.@Brendanjones
       
 (DIR) Post #AXRgg1TB2K09DswlP6 by liztai@hachyderm.io
       2023-07-07T07:56:17Z
       
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       @julianfairfax @Brendanjones Agree with @rakyat  - #Malaysia can be deemed authoritarian by Americans then. The thing is, this obsession about "bringing democracy to the world and removing authoritarian governments" is also a very US-centric point of view. What gives the US the right to being the arbitrator of what's authoritarian and what's not? Also, people in authoritarian governments have every right to have a voice no matter how contrary it may seem to the paradigm you're used to.
       
 (DIR) Post #AXRgg2JdtFy7qbUfBI by rakyat@hachyderm.io
       2023-07-07T08:30:26Z
       
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       @liztai I remember somewhere some Americans experiencing cultural shock when they find out that people in China openly talk and argue about politics to strangers lol, as compared to Americans who tend to be more polite/less direct. People in authoritarian countries do have vibrant discussions about everything, it’s not all 1984 and masses with their minds controlled by the thought police (that’s so insulting lol) @julianfairfax @Brendanjones
       
 (DIR) Post #AXRgg2uVgBSXgwk6e8 by julianfairfax@fosstodon.org
       2023-07-07T08:35:06Z
       
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       @rakyat @liztai @Brendanjones perhaps they talk openly. I don't know. But they certainly don't have a say in who their country is run, much less if they're from Xinjiang. If you speak your opinion online, or to a party official, you will be reeducated. Authoritarians don't allow dissent.