this post was submitted on 30 Aug 2023
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The state of mental health in the US is hitting a tipping point.

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[–] Erika3sis@hexbear.net 41 points 2 years ago (3 children)

The epidemic of mass shootings I think of as a sort of societal suicidality, too, so individual suicides hitting an all-time high is unsurprising.

"Suicide and Despair" is always relevant

[–] WaterBowlSlime@lemmygrad.ml 30 points 2 years ago

When what we are is intrinsically determined by capitalism, it’s not enough to try to better ourselves; we have to cease to be ourselves.

Banger article! Thanks for sharing

[–] kig_v2@lemmygrad.ml 18 points 2 years ago (4 children)

Damn, that was powerful.

It's cold to say, but I've always wished more on the Left would consider being more...ahem...productive with their desire to end their lives. Making a splash at Mar Largo or La Cerce or Bilderberg or somewhere else.

But, to paraphrase the article, the suicidal can barely vacuum their apartment, let alone carry out an elaborate mission. Fair I guess. But how come the Nazis always seem to have the energy to shoot up a Walmart on their way out? I guess their targets are far easier to reach.

[–] Erika3sis@hexbear.net 22 points 2 years ago (1 children)

The ol' "Propaganda of the Deed" -- we live in a world where building explosives, firearms, chemical and other weapons at home is easier than it has ever been, due to the widespread availability of knowledge of construction, and increased access to things like 3D printers. We also live in a world where large-scale horizontal organization has become easier than ever.

I think it's important that we don't fetishize bloodshed, since killing individuals in locations such as those won't dismantle the systems; simultaneously, I don't believe that terrorism is fundamentally counterproductive, on the reasons that it's "bad optics" or that it can be used as a justification for repressing the left. Terrorism is blood theater, and like any theater, it's up for interpretation.

I think I'm broadly more impartial to sabotage, blocking, occupying, or destroying buildings, and giving cops flashbacks to Sanrizuka. That's what I'd like to see.

[–] kig_v2@lemmygrad.ml 4 points 2 years ago (1 children)

I do think optically almost all of the above actions would be, ultimately, well recieved, except by those who were never interested in tangible, radical change to begin with.

[–] Erika3sis@hexbear.net 4 points 2 years ago

Pretty much, yeah.

[–] GarbageShoot@hexbear.net 10 points 2 years ago (1 children)

That bullshit would only hurt the leftists who survive. Capitalists are only the high priests of capitalism, they are replaceable. The effective ruler is capital itself.

[–] kig_v2@lemmygrad.ml 3 points 2 years ago (1 children)

I think it would hurt us in the eyes of civil society, but not in the eyes of the disgruntled and apolitical. Seeing some of these business elite actually be targetted would be unprecedented, it would be immense publicity. I think the mainstream media would froth at the mouth with hatred but the undercurrent everywhere would be one of approval.

I agree that it is the system, not any individuals, but it would be a modicum of justice and would perhaps be inspirational to everyone.

I will admit I have an accelerationist bone in my body and I would say this could probably be called accelerationism.

[–] GarbageShoot@hexbear.net 4 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago)

Accelerationism in such an overwhelmingly rightwing country with no organized left is necessarily to the benefit of fascists.

[–] Neon_Dystopia@lemm.ee 8 points 2 years ago

Good read, thanks for sharing.