When the Abyss Stares Back

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Posted on 12/24/2024 4:12:54 AM PST by MtnClimber

What happens when susceptible people focus an inordinate amount of attention on people or things that are harmful?

In 1634 the Dutch became enamored of tulips. So much so that many neglected their ordinary affairs in order to pursue the tulip trade. Soon, tulip sales were posted on the Stock Exchange of Amsterdam. People bought tulip bulbs on credit hoping to recoup their expenses as the value climbed. By 1637 the market turned, as markets always do, and investors had to sell their bulbs at a loss, some declaring bankruptcy. Prices returned to normal the following year.

SNIP

It could be argued that these are examples of social contagion, which occurs when a message is amplified and ‘goes viral.’ We've seen it recently with idiotic challenges such as those involving Tide Pods, cinnamon, and hot peppers. Tragically, when certain crimes are glamorized they can inspire copycats who then drive cars through crowds, participate in smash-and-grab robberies, or attempt to assault or even assassinate public figures.

A particularly disturbing recent development involves pediatric transgender surgeries. Once extremely rare, the occurrence increased rapidly in the new millennium, with one estimate placing the number of pediatric gender clinics as high as 300. Children who avail themselves of these treatments receive puberty blockers, hormones, and surgeries. I'll leave it to the reader to investigate the details of phalloplasties and metoidioplasty. I recommend you not eat beforehand.

(Excerpt) Read more at americanthinker.com ...

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1 posted on 12/24/2024 4:12:54 AM PST by MtnClimber

To: MtnClimber

2 posted on 12/24/2024 4:13:03 AM PST by MtnClimber (For photos of scenery, wildlife and climbing, click on my screen name for my FR home page.)

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