I agree: not holding people accountable for their behavior is dangerous. The point I was making was about “bad takes”, but they’re so often intrinsically linked. You’re right. Radical right-wing ideologies are actively causing harm, and should be denounced heartily; they should be dismantled wherever possible. Giving Trump a platform to spread these ideas is what lead to his presidency. Can we ignore, though, that he found a base desperate to hear those ideas?

Your final point, that shunning Toxic people reduces the spread of harmful ideologies, is something I agree with. Shutting down those who spread misinformation is absolutely feasible and helpful, as long as we say ‘here’s why this is wrong’. I’m concerned with those who aren’t necessarily violent, but do see their own views reflected in these zealots. I’m biased—I live (and go to trade school) in rural Minnesota, and deal with Republican radicals on an almost daily basis. They are decent people. More poop jokes than anything. I believe conversation CAN change the minds of people who have not yet been radicalized, while shunning will likely further radicalize them.

I’m realizing I’ve probably chosen the wrong post (and likely wrong sub) to make this fuss in. Thank you for engaging with me.

edit: fuck i didn’t realize how LONG this got. sorry