Yoko's Asterisk 🏳️⚧The eight most wonderful words you can say on the internet:
" I don't know enough to have an opinion."
Frances_Larina 🏳️⚧️Love ya' but I was just fed those words today by someone who could be an ally but doesn't want to risk their neck or potentially burn any privilege. Then they said the issue of Republicans targeting trans teens was "too complicated".
CautionWIP 🎃+🇨🇦+🏳️🌈= 
@Frances_Larina @charliejane That’s a really important exception. It’s frequently used as a cop out by faux-libs/Allie’s and closeted bigots to handwave any responsibility. In those cases, it’s pretty easy to see that if they actually gave a fuck, they’d have long ago read up on the matter sufficiently to form an opinion about it. I agree with Charlie Jane, it’s nice to hear, but it can easily be twisted to cover up a lack of actual care or interest in serious issues.🤷🏽
Oh, I didn't think it was at all, "nice to hear" in that context! I think I probably just didn't word my comment very precisely. My apologies to both of you!
@Frances_Larina @charliejane I don’t think you have anything to apologize for, though I can’t speak for Charlie Jane. (🤗 if appropriate ) It’s a perfectly valid take and particularly understandable in your own situation of just having seen it used so awfully, personally, and recently. Also, I’m sorry you had to experience that. Some people just suck.
@cautionwip @Frances_Larina I think "everybody should have to have an opinion on all topics" would be a horrible rule. I don't have opinions about sports because I don't follow sports.
On the small number of issues where people's lives are at stake, I try to educate myself, but also to listen to people who have direct experience, or who belong to the marginalized communities affected.
I don't think we're actually disagreeing here.
@charliejane @Frances_Larina Ratified, on both points. As far as I read it, Frances (or is it Larena? Apologies if I’m getting it wrong) was noting a very specific application of that statement and its abuse by those who claim to be progressive and potential allies, which is a valid elaboration on your OP and I didn’t see it as a denial, but rather an addition.
@cautionwip @Frances_Larina Yeah, that makes sense.
And honestly, any statement can be used in bad faith and weaponized by evil people to support inaction or wrong action.
Str8nger@charliejane @cautionwip @Frances_Larina it’s ironic that even your common sense, well-intentioned & non-controversial statement was met with, but that too *could be a bad faith transgression… 🤦🏻♀️