The Soft Bigotry of Low Expectations

The title of my post comes from Michael Gerson, GWB speechwriter, columnist for the Washington Post, and general conservative douchebag.

The phrase refers to affirmative action. It has been used by right-wingers to pour scorn on all kinds of progressive measures. It might be contrasted with "tough love," something the current Tory government in the UK is rather into.

I'm going to talk about what I think is the underlying thought process, because I see it all over reddit and elsewhere.

OK so most of the people here accept that such a thing as systematic oppression exists. That oppression can take many forms. It can be codified into laws. It can be artefacts of cultural expression. It can be unconscious biases. These affect one another and there are probably others as well.

But if you reject that premise, then any suggestion that this is taking place could be interpreted as coddling. Oh, you're just trying to give those lazy black/working class/etc. people an easy ride!

The reality is that those who are oppressed usually have to demonstrate that they are better than their privileged competitors to even be considered. There's plenty of empirical support for this that you're all aware of.

So you see this bullshit all over reddit. Much of it is more mild, but the same in kind.

"I'm gay and I'm actually offended by the people that say other people shouldn't say 'faggot'. I'm an adult and don't need coddling."

By requesting that you not participate in the ongoing oppression of non-straight identities you are actually demeaning queer folk! Can't you see that?

BULLSHIT.

So anyway what do you think.