Behind any "inspiring" posts here, I have a freaking tankie in the family.
And it makes me *furious*, the shit he believes because online habits have radicalized him, allowing him to feel righteous while gamifying nightmare.
I focus on de-radicalization when I'm calm enough. I aim to disrupt the rejection cycle that entrenches ID for extremist religious & political views alike.
Am I ashamed I have to do this with family? 110%. But this crap is *everywhere*.
We need constant vigilance online.
@MLClark FWIW, I've had the same problem, as I suspect do most families.
I've lost 4-5 friends in the last few years because they went down the rabbit hole. It's too bad, but ... forward.
You and I share the same malady. We want to fix the universe. That's a noble trait, but we wind up carrying pain. They couldn't care less.
I've learned over the decades to build my own "family." We need to surround ourselves with love and support, because we make ourselves vulnerable far too easily.
@WordsmithFL @MLClark oh I know this song as well. Rabbit holes to the left and the right, alas. And then there's the family full of fundies. Sigh.
But then there are the true friends. They are certainly treasures.
@WordsmithFL
In more violent seasons, I've had to report him for public safety. This is a "monitor and try to lessen harm" situation.
"I've learned over the decades to build my own family."
Oh, you don't have to tell the person who left Canada for Colombia that. :) It's part of why I have extreme depression at the thought of ever going back.
Building community that makes me feel safe has always been difficult, though (I've ultimately avoided more than built) so I'm glad you found yours. 🙂