(November 22, 2016 at 1:04 pm)Mister Agenda Wrote:The Joker Wrote:What is a Poe?
A Poe is someone who pretends on the internet to hold positions they don't actually hold, in order to make the people who do hold those positions look bad. The classic example is an atheist who pretends to be a Christian and makes particularly bad arguments and treats people with disrespect.
Famously, it's very hard to tell a Poe from the real thing, whether they are good or bad at it, because there are sincere examples of the group being mocked acting the same way.
So, when a person who's presentation for their side is particularly appalling and stereotypical comes along, making uncharitable assertions about us, they are often suspected of being a Poe. It's impossible to be sure unless they admit it, though.
Speaking of charity, being accused of being a Poe is actually a compliment compared to be taken for face value. It implies you're someone who is bored and playing a prank, not someone who actually thinks what they're doing is worthwhile communication, which would be even sadder.
Awesome post, son!
"Of course, everyone will claim they respect someone who tries to speak the truth, but in reality, this is a rare quality. Most respect those who speak truths they agree with, and their respect for the speaking only extends as far as their realm of personal agreement. It is less common, almost to the point of becoming a saintly virtue, that someone truly respects and loves the truth seeker, even when their conclusions differ wildly."
-walsh
-walsh
