In the past week I’ve been absolutely roasted for criticising two different countries. Normally I’d be okay with that, I can handle a mild toasting and after all debate is a good thing.

On both occasions though I was flamed for mentioning human rights issues that are established facts and have been known for many, many years. I was critical of the actions/laws of their governments and not the people, their race, religion, general political ideology or nationality.

On both occasions I was bombarded by long posts that parroted propaganda, and in the case of one country I was told (on multiple occasions) that I was ignorant, racist and even fascist for mentioning the issues I did. I’m not complaining about how I was treated, but as a reminder, I was discussing internationally-recognised human rights concerns that can be verified and based in fact.

I could just be paranoid but I’m fairly convinced the responses weren’t from patriotic citizens. I think they were paid trolls or bots, and I think their purpose was to quiet negative talking points about the countries that were mentioned.

Has anyone else had a similar experience?

  • Valmond@lemmy.dbzer0.com
    55·
    6 days ago

    Such a shame all countries that have catched communism have descended into dictatorships huh.

    Also the “both sides” is such an outdated propaganda lie, used to deflect what is actually discussed (most classic: What About the USA??!).

    • NathanUp@lemmy.mlEnglish
      2·
      4 days ago

      Such a shame all countries that have catched communism have descended into dictatorships huh.

      Almost like the anti-authoritarian schools of thought aren’t adopted by people who are keen to size state power or something, eh? Like those people would adopt different tactics or something? Like, maybe Juche and Anarcho-Syndicalism are different things with different approaches?

      Also the “both sides” is such an outdated propaganda lie

      So, are you saying that anti-communist propaganda doesn’t exist?

      In my original comment, I wasn’t making an argument for or against communism. What I was saying is that people don’t know what they’re talking about and react on a hair trigger (because of years of propaganda). And you’ve just illustrated that beautifully.

      Like, I don’t care what you believe, but maybe pick up a book and come to understand an ideology before you criticize it?

      Love your paintings by the way. Especially the one with the window on the yellow wall. I’d totally buy a print of that.