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Luca's avatar
May 4Edited

Thanks for writing this. I have a sibling who definitely exhibits all of this behavior. He claims to be a libertarian, but is a maga conservative in practice. He also claims to be too cool to vote or participate in the political process, which he feels gives him a way out of the discourse if his policies are wrong, or the guy he hates wins.

It’s been a struggle watching him and his wife mean girl their own kids, and then I have to listen about how emotionally unstable he thinks his kids are.

He did actually say something profound to me recently though. He admitted that he’s burned almost every bridge he has by running his mouth without thinking about the consequences of his intolerance and bullying, and he thinks this is due to him being somewhere on the autism spectrum. So he’s in the early stages of getting that checked out. Allegedly. I’m not going to rule that out and I respect him seeking help to correct his behavior, but I feel that the truth of it is that he’s simply an asshole, and that’s the last explanation he wants to have to admit.

Lynda A Paquette's avatar

I wish your brother all the luck ! Lots of men that have been assholes are starting to wake up. I think more and more because they’re surrounded by women who aren’t putting up with it anymore. Any of it. I say yay to awakening! 💕

White Squirrel's Nest's avatar

Lol great "I'm not an asshole I'm just autistic" We already have enough trouble getting the benefit of the doubt without that crap.

Carol O'Neill's avatar

Having recently been diagnosed as AuDHD, I was thinking back on my past. The condition was the cause of a lot of questionable behavior on my part.

That said,we ALL need to try not to be assholes.

Luca's avatar

I hear you. I have my doubts. He’s tried to push a number of conspiracy theories on me before, so I have a feeling he’s trying to self diagnose via YouTube instead of actually speaking to a behavioral health professional. Still, I see it as progress from the ‘everyone else is the problem, not me’ attitude he had before.

babaganusz's avatar

Yeah, the actual test will be whether he takes a step beyond "did my OWN research"...

Danny Delgado's avatar

Just like their male counterparts who are the ultimate bullies! 😡

Lynda A Paquette's avatar

This is really excellent and I’m going to share it. I’m glad you write! 🥰

Ethereal Fairy's avatar

Ossiana has a fresh perspective, that is so diverse, and insightful, it makes her a joy to read.

LuaSolJane 🌞🌙's avatar

Unfortunately I know people like that. Ultimately these people are miserable and love company. If someone is a threat, another words disrupts their dysfunction, it’s problematic to them. This happens in narcissistic/toxic families, groups, workplace, etc.

Ethereal Fairy's avatar

I love your pic at the end very Marilyn Monroe-esque!

David Stewart's avatar

"It’s simple: conservatism is all about following the leader and falling into line." It's simpler than that. Replace "conservatism" with "humanity" and it's nearer the truth: yin and yang.

Yin and yang are apolitical. Meanness is everwhere goodness resides, and vice-versa. It's the selfishness limit of a "me" that is too fragile to consider the possibility of anything other than self. Meanness and kindness, love and hate... each exist in reality of the often detested halves of themselves. Each exist in all.

Marcus's avatar

A balance comment. Good one.

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Ossiana Tepfenhart's avatar

Oh look here. It's a guy who doesn't believe in science. #sorrynotsorry, I don't give credence to whiny bitches who can't even take a jab.