> This. In a lot of circles I move there is a tendency to "total condemnation".
Which, ironically feels more like a bipolar approach to resolving a problem. Are they good, or are they bad? Is it legal, or is it illegal? Are they right, or are they wrong? Do we punish, or do we praise?
There seems to be this strange generalized assumption that people are bipolar, and they are the problem. Completely ignoring the fact that society itself demonstrates some seriously bipolar tendencies. Many times, suggesting "either/or" solutions to problems that would really benefit from more nuance.
I don't think this is an accurate depiction of bipolar. This is more accurate to the term "splitting" or black/white thinking which is more common in personality disorders.
Yes, unfortunately the vernacular usage of the word bipolar, and actual bipolar disorder, are significantly different. The vernacular usage of 'bipolar' implies sudden mood swings and black/white thinking, whereas bipolar disorder implies episodes of mania or depression that typically last weeks to months. It also doesn't help that people consistently confuse bipolar disorder with BPD because the acronym could work for either.
Nuance requires more attention and brainspace than most people have for someone they are only tangentially aware of like a NYT author. Such casual thought only leaves room for binary yes-or-no questions.
Is Freddie DeBoer still worthy of condemnation?
As an uninvolved party, I think the wisest answer for me to give is: Meh ¯\_(?)_/¯.
Which, ironically feels more like a bipolar approach to resolving a problem. Are they good, or are they bad? Is it legal, or is it illegal? Are they right, or are they wrong? Do we punish, or do we praise?
There seems to be this strange generalized assumption that people are bipolar, and they are the problem. Completely ignoring the fact that society itself demonstrates some seriously bipolar tendencies. Many times, suggesting "either/or" solutions to problems that would really benefit from more nuance.
Sometimes the best answer is: ¯\_(?)_/¯
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