Help me explain Palin/Anti-Palin to a non-American
January 13, 2011 5:32 PM Subscribe
I am trying to explain American politics to a foreign friend who speaks minimal english. He is pressing me with some questions about my attitudes and viewpoints that I am having difficulty explaining. I have trouble deconstructing my own biases, so please help me on the Palin issue. Specifically, how does one rationally and thoughtfully justify disliking Palin so much more than other prominent Republicans, most of whom have the same positions. A link to an article would be helpful.
This post was deleted for the following reason: I know this is a real question - at the same time this is not a good place to get it answered without it turning into the sort of thread we are trying very hard to keep off of this website. I am sorry. -- jessamyn
Go to Wikipedia and read the sections on political positions for the Republicans you have in mind. I'm not sure who you mean when you say "most Republicans" or I would mention them by name. Anyway, you will find that Republicans have a range of positions and don't all think like Sarah Palin.
Also go to the Republican party website and Wikipedia page and read what its positions are. Once you have an idea of what it stands for, you can articulate why you dislike it to your friend.
Sarah Palin strikes many people (including me) as a dangerous buffoon, but I don't see what good it does to convey that to someone when you're just trying to get more basic points across about the nuts and bolts of US politics, rather than personalities.
That's kind of the problem with her and the rest, perhaps even the ones you do support.
posted by vincele at 5:52 PM on January 13, 2011
Also go to the Republican party website and Wikipedia page and read what its positions are. Once you have an idea of what it stands for, you can articulate why you dislike it to your friend.
Sarah Palin strikes many people (including me) as a dangerous buffoon, but I don't see what good it does to convey that to someone when you're just trying to get more basic points across about the nuts and bolts of US politics, rather than personalities.
That's kind of the problem with her and the rest, perhaps even the ones you do support.
posted by vincele at 5:52 PM on January 13, 2011
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Honestly, I presume it's because you value informed opinion and rational consideration. Palin has done more than any other US politician I can think of to champion ignorance and pigheadedness as bonafide virtues. That's offensive to many on a deeper level than her actual policy positions.
posted by 256 at 5:37 PM on January 13, 2011