Post AxUiyTwaxbhdWn9Ea8 by StumpyTheMutt@social.linux.pizza
(DIR) More posts by StumpyTheMutt@social.linux.pizza
(DIR) Post #AxUiUx9No8z3QE35o8 by futurebird@sauropods.win
2025-08-24T12:16:36Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
It's not just Americans either. When you write about a political topic you know a lot about if you find that people aren't engaging or feel like no one cares it could be because they have no idea what you are talking about. Nearly everything I know about international politics I've had to learn independently, very little was taught in school or formal settings. For some people their only sources are movies, church and internet rumors.
(DIR) Post #AxUimUd4aTbqB5IeUy by futurebird@sauropods.win
2025-08-24T12:19:45Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
I've had an above average level of education and I like school so it's worse for most people. Mention a name? Who is that? Mention a state or organization? Who are they?Adding more background to your posts can really expand the number of people who can engage with the topic. Of course it's also good if you are simply helpful when asked dead simple questions. Eg. "Who is Maxwell?" or "What is a primary?"But most of the time people WILL NOT ask.
(DIR) Post #AxUitWA5HvU6xR5eqW by futurebird@sauropods.win
2025-08-24T12:21:03Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
Especially with international issues. If you know about these things this is a moment where simply explaining the basics some of the time when you bring up the topic can have a massive impact.
(DIR) Post #AxUiyTwaxbhdWn9Ea8 by StumpyTheMutt@social.linux.pizza
2025-08-24T12:21:53Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
@futurebird My dad was a diplomat and an economist. I grew up listening to discussions about international trade and policy at the dinner table. My friends had similar experiences, so of course I thought that was how everyone was raised.
(DIR) Post #AxUkAiwl6fr7UFcrOS by Fat_Farang@mastodon.social
2025-08-24T12:35:19Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
@futurebird I knew enough to get the hell out of the US 34 years ago and not go back.
(DIR) Post #AxUkPnPQnVl1feDwky by futurebird@sauropods.win
2025-08-24T12:38:04Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
@martinvermeer I was not familiar with "Montesquieu powers" as a term for "branches of government" :/
(DIR) Post #AxUloWzr3WoPxhcSXo by llewelly@sauropods.win
2025-08-24T12:53:46Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
@futurebird in principle I want to agree, but in practice, so many of these things are so complex, and while 500 chars is better than twitter's procrustean rules were, it's not enough (yeah I could move instances but I'm trying to avoid that as long as practical), and I find I'm often overcome by grief, rage, or exhaustion before I finish a toot.
(DIR) Post #AxUqCwusjoZp7LByiG by choobs@mastodon.scot
2025-08-24T13:42:58Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
@futurebird one of the problems with politics is that only those with an interest get involved. The original democratic model of Plato, with election by lottery and fixed terms (meaning you had to live with the effects of your term) while not perfect (only men, only landowners etc) was a lot closer to a workable system.
(DIR) Post #AxVJwAsmYY4c8P7xTs by Enema_Cowboy@dotnet.social
2025-08-24T19:16:04Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
@futurebirdMaxwell warned us of the pervasive surveillance state back in the 1980s.
(DIR) Post #AxVv8k1FRS6Ot5wVWa by KanaMauna@sauropods.win
2025-08-25T02:12:57Z
0 likes, 0 repeats
@futurebird But, it’s also possible that they do know and don’t care. I’m always surprised by how much my MAGA relations actually know about what’s going on, but they just choose not to let it impact their decisions.