A much needed discussion about “controlled opposition”
This term is both underused and overused at the same time
Until fairly recently, I got irritated when seeing people use the term “controlled opposition”. I think it is a topic that requires careful thought and removing one’s emotions and biases. Calling everyone that you disagree with about certain minute details “controlled opposition” is foolish and stupid. It hurts the cause far more than it helps.
No matter what you may think of Kanye West, nobody can deny the fact that what he has said over the past few years has made a lot of people think. Certainly, the stuff he’s been saying lately has reinvigorated conversations about who holds power. These conversations make a lot of people really uncomfortable, to put it lightly. Since I’m a total pussy, I’m going to try to write this from as neutral a perspective as possible and hedge my language.
Many figures on the mainstream right want nothing to do with Ye and the conversation he has started. However, those who simply dismiss him aren’t helping.
If Ye says certain people control media and entertainment, and those people are also able to make him lose most of his sponsors and business partners when he points it out, well they’re kinda proving his point.
I refuse to be coerced out of acknowledging obvious truth, and pointing out this fact does not make me a hater of some kind.
Let’s go back to my point about who is controlled opposition. Anyone on the right not addressing Ye’s comments in good faith, or who attempts to scold anyone who is, is controlled opposition.
For all the conservatives, moderates, classical libs, IDW types who get animated about free speech and open discussion, not being able to address certain topics reveals the fraud.
Darren Beattie has been pointing this out on Twitter.
It should be pretty obvious once you truly understand politics in America who is just acting as a pressure release valve for people who are rightfully pissed off at the American ruling class. When certain “third rail” topics are brought up, these people often gatekeep to show those in power that they’re “reasonable”.
We do need to cut people some slack when it comes to these forbidden topics. Our society has been propagandized to the point of fear.
Heck, certain things make me uncomfortable. However, those who make a living talking about contentious issues show themselves to be frauds when they scurry back to safety.
The label of “controlled opposition” is one that needs to be used carefully. Explaining to your normie friends that Ben Shapiro is a pressure release valve is worthwhile, and can be done without sounding crazy or conspiratorial. It’s also important to cut people slack when necessary. For example, when a based politician or pundit says something that might be cringe, they deserve a break if they have proven themselves through their actions in the past. Calling Ron DeSantis controlled opposition for pro-Zionist policies isn’t useful, as he has proven himself as a valuable political leader on things that matter to normal people.
As I said, this term can both be underused and overused at the same time. It comes down to who truly is based when the rubber meets the road.