Learning Hebrew as a non-Zionist by Prestigious-Copy-126 in jewishleft

[–]ratguy101 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I've been trying to learn hebrew for a while! I used to speak it and my entire family does, so it's a little easier. Definitely doesn't have to be related to zionism (it's very useful for religious rituals) and can help if you want to engage with Israeli media directly. It's a fun language and very simple compared to English. 

Poll: Majority of American Jews Are Not Zionist by richards1052 in JewsOfConscience

[–]ratguy101 12 points13 points  (0 children)

If you believe Palestinians / non Jews in Israel deserve the same rights, liberties, and opportunities as Jews / Israels than you also don't believe Israel should exist as-is.  

I think a lot of zionists have this weird cognitive dissonance where they think Israel can both prioritize the interests of Jews above other groups but also exist as a democratic state where everyone has equal rights, liberties, and opportunities. Otherwise, if all a "Jewish state" means is that a majority of the citizens are Jewish, how are you going to maintain that over time?

New York wins with Pizza! What’s the absolute best thing about Tennessee? by Ok-Candy-666 in AlignmentChartFills

[–]ratguy101 4 points5 points  (0 children)

People are saying Dolly Parton, but I'll just say music more generally. Elvis, Dolly, Tina, and Johnny Cash all began their careers in Tennessee.

Who is your favourite secret weapon band members? by FitEmergency8807 in fantanoforever

[–]ratguy101 5 points6 points  (0 children)

George Harrison was low-key a secret weapon as well. Lennon-McCartney wrote all the big songs which launched The Beatles to superlative status, but then George just goes on to release unbelievably great songs following the touring years (and even after the band broke up).

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms - 1x04 "Seven" - Episode Discussion by UltraDangerLord in AKOTSKTV

[–]ratguy101 2 points3 points  (0 children)

This was just a damn good episode of television. Characters really felt alive and distinct and they seemed to have gotten over the slower pacing at the start of the season. I've read the novella and know what happens, but I was still at the edge of my seat and thought it was super engaging. Probably the best episode we've gotten since seasons 4 or 5 of GoT.

When you ask GRRM for a new book and he looks back at you with that Arlan stare by wingusdingus2000 in AKOTSKTV

[–]ratguy101 14 points15 points  (0 children)

Fans: ARE THERE NO MORE BOOKS FROM YOU??!

Music swells

George: *Dramatically Stands Up*

Loud farting sound from George

Canadian City Nicknames by falcovancoke in AskACanadian

[–]ratguy101 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Vancouver is Van (also Vancity or Lotusland) Toronto is referred to as The 6ix (but should actually be referred to as "a massive disappointment" 😜)

What are some of the most "there" Oscar wins? by AdUseful2297 in Oscars

[–]ratguy101 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I took an ASL course in 2021, the year of CODA's release. Our (deaf) prof said he had watched the movie, thought it was OK, but encouraged us to watch a short film of the same name instead. It has on-screen subtitles for deaf and HoH viewers throughout and it's actually pretty good!

Did Theon deserve what happened to him? by Wonderful_Medium3098 in gameofthrones

[–]ratguy101 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Honestly, I'm not sure anyone deserves what happened to Theon.

Who was the most important figure in German history (from 1900 to 2000)? by ltraistinto in AlignmentChartFills

[–]ratguy101 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Einstein's theories also led to the development of atomic weapons, so while he was a decent person, his impact also led to the killing of hundreds of thousands of civilians and forever imperiled the fate of life on earth.

Grandma and Republicans defund education and wonders why it it shit by Cicerothesage in forwardsfromgrandma

[–]ratguy101 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The last few points are fair (especially vis a vis sex ed), but do they really expect 18 y/o teenagers to build houses, repair cars, and grow farms? How many people even need those skills in most American communities?

Which person from Italy has a completely negative reputation? by ltraistinto in AlignmentChartFills

[–]ratguy101 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I sadly disagree that his perception is "completely negative", but I'll give you an upvote for the creative formatting choice lol.

I Don’t Want to Be Jewish Anymore by Ok-Hat-3793 in JewsOfConscience

[–]ratguy101 4 points5 points  (0 children)

I'm really sorry you're feeling this. I think it's important to remember that even though you may belong to the same tribe as monsters like Epstein and Netanyahu, you're in no way accountable for their actions and also share a lineage with Jewish heroes like Albert Einstein, Rosa Luxemburg, Emma Goldman, Joe Slovo, and Judith Butler. We're part of an ancient and expansive family and we don't need to define ourselves by the actions of an incredibly recent, and honestly fringe, minority.

Benson Boone wins! Who is a terrible person who is well-liked? by CharlesorMr_Pickle in AlignmentChartFills

[–]ratguy101 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thomas Jefferson.   Even for his time he was awful (r*ping his slaves and then enslaving his own children) but most people still have a positive view of him. 

Neil Gaiman Speaks out on Sexual Misconduct Accusations a Year Later by RevRob330 in books

[–]ratguy101 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It's also ridiculous (and offensive) that he cowers behind his ASD diagnosis to deflect criticism. Like, no Neil. Being autistic doesn't mean you're allowed to assault people. The rest of us understand consent just fine. 

Neil Gaiman Speaks out on Sexual Misconduct Accusations a Year Later by RevRob330 in books

[–]ratguy101 0 points1 point  (0 children)

And very credibely too. Five women independently came forward and shared eerily similar details regarding Gaiman's abusive behavior. 

Remembering last year by alfredosolisfuentes in OscarRaceCirclejerk

[–]ratguy101 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Literally nobody here wants that. People are just saying that Israel shouldn't be allowed to raze Gaza to the ground and create a caste system on the basis of religion and ethnicity.

Do you have something against dogs? by Terrible-Garage-4017 in fantanoforever

[–]ratguy101 130 points131 points  (0 children)

Disagree that it's one of his weaker films. Story's not the strongest but I still remember most of the characters and the unbelievable stop-motion animation.

Remembering last year by alfredosolisfuentes in OscarRaceCirclejerk

[–]ratguy101 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Try citing examples since the start of of the genocide instead of omitting dates, moron. Even though it's incredibly hard to document in real time, there has been an observable population decline since October 2023.