Wednesday, October 23, 2024

Discretion as a Survival Tactic


In our dystopian world, discretion is a critical and often survival skill. Our authoritarian government, and the tyrannical elites that control it, seek to control every aspect of citizen's lives, from our thoughts and speech, to our daily actions. Surveillance is everywhere, and dissent is not tolerated. 

Discretion is not about being dishonest or fake, but about protecting yourself and those you care about in a dangerous world.

Parents have been investigated by the FBI and put on terrorist watch lists for speaking out against the policies of their school boards. People have been deplatformed over social media posts expressing dissent. Others have lost their jobs and even been de-banked for expressing views that are not "politically correct." Some have even been jailed for posting memes. Doctors who spoke out against lockdowns and vaccine mandates lost their medical licenses. Peaceful protesters, who were allowed by police to enter the Capitol Building on Jan. 6, have faced harsh prison sentences for doing so. Pro-life folks have been jailed for praying near abortion clinics. Government agencies have been weaponized against citizens who don't tow the line of political correctness and woke ideology. 

In today's world, discretion is a necessity for survival. Government and the elites, as well as their allies in the world of Big Media and Big Tech, have turned on Free Speech and are squashing any dissent. Draw the ire of the wrong people, and you will find yourself cancelled or worse.

Discretion is about navigating the complex web of lies and deceit that characterizes life under tyranny. Those who master this skill are able to survive in the oppressive system, while those who fail are left to suffer the consequences of their candor.  

But how do we resist our oppressors if we cannot express our dissent? How can we be true to ourselves if we cannot be candid about who we are? How can we balance discretion with freedom?

Being discrete requires a combination of skills and strategies: Here are some tips to navigate our current reality:
  • It is about balance. We should remain true to ourselves, while at the same time not ignoring the real dangers we face.
  • Think. Don't emote. Be rational, not reactional. Don't let your emotions override your commonsense. Think before you speak, post, or act. 
  • Exercise common decency. Be polite. No name calling. No personal insults. Treat others like you would want to be treated (even if they don't return the favor). 
  • Pick and choose your battles. Not every disagreement is life-or-death, so don't treat it like it is. Consider what is really important to you; what your lines-in-the-sand actually are. Don't sweat the small stuff, but stand your ground on the big stuff. 
  • Never threaten violence, not even in jest. Especially don't threaten politicians, law enforcement, or other government employees. You don't need that kind of attention. Also, don't use violent rhetoric or share memes that do so. 
  • Be polite to law enforcement and others in positions of authority. It is possible to disagree strongly with others, and to express those disagreements, without being rude, vulgar, or excessively aggressive. 
  • Build good relationships whenever possible. Especially with local politicians, law enforcement, etc. Building good will with those folks could be very helpful to you in the long run. 
  • Never knowingly spread false information. Spreading false information and rumors makes you and your agreements look weak and pathetic, and gives your opponents a major PR win. 
  • Guard your privacy. Don't share personal information except with people you trust. Don't overshare on social media. Make sure your family doesn't overshare on social media.
Children and Discretion

Children, especially young children, tell EVERYTHING to their friends, schoolmates, teachers, neighbors, and other parents (even if you've told them not to). Be especially aware of what you reveal to them, and remember that they do have ears and overhear a lot more than you might think. Remind them often that privacy is important and that they shouldn't share certain information with others. Explain that some things are only "family business." 

There have been many news stories in recent years of schools quizzing students about their home life, including asking about topics such as the parent's political and social views, or if there are guns in the home. Tell your kids to answer "I don't know, you'll have to ask mommy and daddy about that," and to tell you who was asking those type questions. Review this with them often (they quickly forget).

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