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________deleted wrote

Well I'd much prefer to convince Nazis that the harm they're doing makes the world a worse place for all of us instead of punching them and lowering ourselves to their level. Utilizing pain, shame and terror to change the way they act is antithetical to everything I believe in. They are entitled to their beliefs and we are entitled to ours. I would simply urge them to reconsider their hateful ideology and convince them that there is a better way, using patience and understanding, rather than making them feel pressured or rejected.

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jaidedctrl wrote

That does work, but convincing even a single one takes weeks (maybe months) of deep introspection, discussion, and support from family members and close ones. It isn't easy, and it isn't quick. So if the goal is to prevent white nationalists from gaining power as they increase numbers, this is fundamentally a flawed approach. It isn't scalable.

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hotcool wrote (edited )

The time and effort is worth it, because then you have another one on your side.

Nazism / fascism is fueled by anger and fear. Violence only intensifies these feelings and people get further entrenched in their beliefs. That is psychology 101.

Yes, there may be times when we must defend ourselves and protect others from harm, but violence will not solve the problem.

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jaidedctrl wrote (edited )

Violence isn't meant to rid them of their thoughts-- just to silence them.
If you silence them, they don't spread or gain power.
After silencing, then you can work on rehabilitating and ridding them of their prejudices. But isn't preventing their spread and potential gain of power more time-pressing?
EDIT: I don't mean just violence-violence, I mean more intimidation, like doxxing and defamation.

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An_Old_Big_Tree wrote

Also, it doesn't necessarily work.

And also, in the meanwhile they are hurting people, which, so far as I am concerned, you cause by not stopping them if you were able.

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reloop wrote

That's easier said than done, but what happens when your polite gestures and handshakes have no effect and people die because you wouldn't take real action?

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vacuousaptitude wrote

Do you think that punching a Nazi actually lowers you to their level though? That using violence to prevent genocide is equal to genocide?

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MeowZedong wrote

How would you convince a Nazi that just doesn't want to listen to your opinions because they're so convinced that their opinion is the right one and that it's an acceptable one to express?

What about situations where Nazis might be physically threatening someone?

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