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Good points. We have been cajoled into a world of binary choice. Nuance and reasoned debate has been replaced with belligerence which brooks no counter view. Divide & conquer in all its deep ugliness. We must recognise this and fight against it to allow reason and good natured humanity to bubble up again.

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Options are presented as “it’s this or it’s that and I’d rather have that”

(Apart from the subject of gender when nuance is actively encouraged of course)

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I like your style! I so agree with you on this. I am very conflict averse myself and I've been a bit trepidatious at times as some of my posts have dealt with sensitive issues. At least with Substack you have the opportunity to express yourself fully; to try to make sure you are at least understood. I enjoy respectful debate and have no problem listening to people whose views I do not share. That's how you develop your own thoughts, and sometimes change your mind. Can you imagine how boring the world would be if everyone thought the same way? I do try to stay out of trouble on Notes though. Whilst it's generally nice I've seen some really horrible exchanges. Not interested in that. Good manners cost nothing! 😄

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This is my ‘best self’ speaking. I fully confess to not always being my ‘best self’ but when I am aware, I try and use that observation wisely.

I don’t shy away from conflict but don’t embrace it for the sake of it either.

Yes, on substack it’s definitely easier to elaborate a point and not have it lost in blasts.

So many people (particularly high profile ones) are cashing in on the ‘them and us’ thing. An easy meme or pop at someone.

But it’s like gossip or a cheap laugh in the playground. Yeah you have your little chuckle, your moment of popularity but growing up means forsaking the easy win for the sake of the bigger picture.

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