ACX
Political Backflow From Europe
Scott examines how American political discourse absorbs European narratives that don't fit the US context, particularly around immigration and crime statistics.
14 min read 2,052 words
A thread through the archive
political discourse
Essays tagged “political discourse”. Follow an idea across the archive.
Essays on political discourse
9 essaysACX
Against "There Are Two X-Wing Parties"
Scott Alexander critiques the claim that 'America has two X-wing parties' as meaningless or misleading, urging for more precise political comparisons.
5 min read 629 words
SSC
Some Groups Of People Who May Not 100% Deserve Our Eternal Scorn
Scott Alexander argues against harshly criticizing various groups often mocked by both left and right, emphasizing nuanced thinking and engagement with evidence.
28 min read 4,186 words
SSC
You Are Still Crying Wolf
Scott Alexander argues that accusations of Trump being an 'openly white supremacist' candidate are exaggerated and harmful, and calls for more measured criticism of Trump's actual flaws.
70 min read 10,723 words
SSC
Against Dog Whistle-ism
Scott Alexander criticizes media tendencies to label politicians as racist or sexist based on ambiguous statements, arguing we should focus more on their stated positions and actions.
19 min read 2,832 words
SSC
Nydwracu’s Fnords
Scott Alexander examines how 'fnords' and similar psychological techniques may influence political discourse and polarization through unconscious associations.
14 min read 2,136 words
SSC
Social Psychology Is A Flamethrower
Scott argues that social psychology is often misused in political discourse, presenting counterintuitive claims to demonstrate how easily it can be manipulated to support various agendas.
23 min read 3,415 words
SSC
Against Bravery Debates
Scott Alexander criticizes 'bravery debates' as toxic and unproductive, explaining psychological factors that lead to their persistence and recommending against engaging in them.
14 min read 2,138 words
LW
Solutions to Political Problems As Counterfactuals
Scott analyzes why some proposed political solutions feel wrong or useless by examining them as counterfactuals, arguing that valid solutions must involve modifying nodes you can actually influence rather than wishfully changing things you have no power over.
12 min read 1,787 words