• The_Grinch [he/him]@hexbear.net
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    11 months ago

    Authoritarian is a non-starter for me on account of the fact that it doesn’t actually mean anything. Is it the opposite of democracy? What is democracy in this context, and what would your revolution look like?

    • DeepGradientAscent@programming.dev
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      11 months ago

      Authoritarian is a non-starter for me on account of the fact that it doesn’t actually mean anything.

      You’re wrong. Words have meanings.

      authoritarian /ə-thôr″ĭ-târ′ē-ən, ə-thŏr″-, ô-/

      adjective Characterized by or favoring absolute obedience to authority, as against individual freedom. “an authoritarian regime.” Tending to tell other people what to do in a peremptory or arrogant manner. synonym: dictatorial. Similar: dictatorial Characteristic of an absolute ruler or absolute rule; having absolute sovereignty; – of governments or rulers. “an authoritarian regime” Similar: autocraticdictatorialdespotictyrannical Expecting unquestioning obedience: “he was imperious and dictatorial”; “the timid child of authoritarian parents”; “insufferably overbearing behavior toward the waiter” Similar: dictatorialoverbearing Of, or relating to, absolute obedience to an authority. Characterised by a tyrannical obedience to an authority; dictatorial. noun One who supports the principle of authority, as opposed to that of individual freedom. Behaves like a tyrant. Similar: dictator The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

      Is it the opposite of democracy?

      Yes.

      what would your revolution look like?

      If we’re talking about the United States, non-violent, presumably brought about by collective action and enforcing laws regarding protections to citizens, labor unions, the environment, etc. that are already on the books.

      Look, I’m assuming you’re a true-believer tankie; clearly, I’m not and never will be.

      Let’s not waste each other’s time, anymore. I gotta walk my dogs, smoke a spliff and rub my wife’s back when she gets home, and you gotta do whatever it is you do.

      Good luck with the revolution. 👍🏽