This week I published a piece suggesting a new term: the pro-choice softboy, a man who collects the social currency and the sexual access that presenting as progressive gives him with women, but does very little to deserve it.
“In fact, the most critical impact you can have as a normally non-partisan, non-confrontational guy is to make abortion the issue you surprise people with...”
This is my go-to strategy for a lot of issues that the folks who look like me feel comfortable blurting out - racism, misogyny, LGBTQ rights, wealth inequality, free college. I let them go on and then I share my reasoned arguments, stuff they are shocked to hear a white, middle-aged dude in Ohio harbors. They feel too comfortable and are never ready for that fight.
I never feel like it reaches enough people, though. I understand it’s a marathon, I understand it’s a slow game but it sure does seem like the flamethrowers can burn down a carefully built foundation in one tantrum, leaving us to start all over...
Last night, NY19 Pat Ryan... I have a property in Kingston that is my second address, my son (37) lives there. I lobbied hard to him and everyone who is a neighbor to get out and vote for Ryan. I’m not saying I brought him over the finish line... but I’m not NOT saying it either. November... still have some work to do against that redistributed map...
“In fact, the most critical impact you can have as a normally non-partisan, non-confrontational guy is to make abortion the issue you surprise people with...”
This is my go-to strategy for a lot of issues that the folks who look like me feel comfortable blurting out - racism, misogyny, LGBTQ rights, wealth inequality, free college. I let them go on and then I share my reasoned arguments, stuff they are shocked to hear a white, middle-aged dude in Ohio harbors. They feel too comfortable and are never ready for that fight.
I never feel like it reaches enough people, though. I understand it’s a marathon, I understand it’s a slow game but it sure does seem like the flamethrowers can burn down a carefully built foundation in one tantrum, leaving us to start all over...
I love that this is your philosophy too!!
Last night, NY19 Pat Ryan... I have a property in Kingston that is my second address, my son (37) lives there. I lobbied hard to him and everyone who is a neighbor to get out and vote for Ryan. I’m not saying I brought him over the finish line... but I’m not NOT saying it either. November... still have some work to do against that redistributed map...
I've heard this from a lot of people living in red states where it's not safe to speak out. I empathize and appreciate your perspective Drew.