Mastodawn

Sindarina, Edge Case Detective Mar 5, 2023

It always begins as a joke. Listen to me, both of you.

One sees a father or a mother of whom they do not approve --

And their brats won't shut up and the parents are so exhausted that they just let their children scream, all sticky and crying and hitting and wild.

And you say to your friends, "You should have to pass a test to breed." Do you understand? "You should have to get licensed to have kids."

It starts as a joke.

1/ 🧵

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Updated image description with credit, as several people have confirmed where it's from. Thanks!

https://www.marvel.com/comics/collection/54962/x-men_years_of_future_past_trade_paperback

X-Men: Years of Future Past (Trade Paperback)

A classic X-Men saga revisited for the modern day! In the dystopian nations of Battleworld, the mutants of New York City fight to survive the Sentinels’ oppressive rule. Imprisoned and persecuted...

Marvel Entertainment

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Sindarina, Edge Case Detective Mar 5, 2023

Then perhaps there is tragedy. A postpartum mother who should've gotten help, but her insurance did not cover the therapy.

A father who erred because he was raised believing men are pathetic if they are caregivers.

The first tests are drafted.

And you think, "Good." You think, "Those children will be safe now."

The test comes out, and yes, there are some problems, but nothing that cannot be ironed out, yes?

2/ 🧵

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Sindarina, Edge Case Detective Mar 5, 2023

But now, anyone with mental illness, with a criminal record, is barred from becoming a parent, and you think, "Well, that is sensible, yes?"

Because you've never known anyone like that, so who is to tell you they are not like they are portrayed in stories?

Sick, dangerous, criminal -- these words expand.

Suddenly it is anyone with diabetes, anyone with cancer, because they could die and leave their children orphaned, so how dare they ever try to have children?

It is deaf couples, disabled couples, interracial couples, gay couples -- because don't they know how hard they're making it for their children?

3/ 🧵

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Sindarina, Edge Case Detective Mar 5, 2023

Then it is whoever they want.

You think you are working for the greater good. You can't even fathom the life of someone who isn't exactly like you.

Then one day -- it is YOU.

Some gene, some history, some past behaviour -- and suddenly, you too are sick, dangerous, criminal.

Because the truth is this --

--human hate can adapt to anything.

You think you are safe.

But if someone hates you, they will come up with the reason after the fact.

Only then do you realise what you put in power. Only then do you realise what you stripped away.

There is terrible power in a joke, in taking the truth and making it ugly.

4/END

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Dorkomatic

@sindarina
A lot of comments here decrying the 'banning of jokes' - I don't think that's what's being argued.
The point is that words (including jokes) have power. We should be aware of how dangerous they can be. But the need for freedom of speech still endures.