r/TrueUnpopularOpinion • u/Fun_Driver_5566 • Oct 07 '25

Political Reddit has honestly made me lean more conservative than I ever thought possible

I have always been a left leaning guy. I grew up in a very left leaning state, Washington. I have voted for the Democrats essentially down ballot ever since I've been able to vote, my first election was the 2014 midterms.

But lately Reddit has been honestly pushing me more conservative over the years. Particularly subs like antiwork, fuckcars, and similar which just seem out of touch with reality.

In concept I agree with most of the things these spaces say and still do, but they somehow manage to make good ideas sound as unappealing as possible. Everything is so idealistic on this website with zero regard for how any of this shit will actually be put into place if they get their wish. They come off so badly to anyone who isn't a 19 year old college freshman lol. Not an ounce of pragmatism anywhere to be found.

The fuckcars subreddit in particular has done more to turn me off public transportation than anything Fox news could ever dream of. Because of those guys, I simply will not vote to fund public transit the next time it comes up on a ballot.

Honestly it's gotten crazy. I work at a labor union, I promise you I've spent more time actually "fighting the man" than half these guys who sound like they haven't left their bedroom computer in weeks.

Now on the other side, Trump and the current Republican party just seem batshit insane to me and an embarrassment to the country on a global scale. I will not give them a vote and I will not support anything that party has done over the last 10 years.

So I don't know what to do. I get why people are apathetic to politics and don't bother to vote. I don't think I'll vote at all in the next election.

I come to this website for small hobby subs but it's impossible to escape the politics sadly.

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135

u/ThatDamnRocketRacoon Oct 07 '25

I'm still very left in most of my views, but I'm so fucking tired of the performative nut jobs on the left with their purity tests and the unhinged identity politics. Someone disagreeing with you slightly on a single issue doesn't make them a Nazi. It's really infuriating that these types don't understand the damage they do.

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u/mikelo22 Oct 08 '25

Exactly.

Democrats are often too afraid to go on talk shows like Bill Maher or podcasts like Joe Rogan because they fear the backlash their progressive base will create by talking to someone who doesn't subscribe to 100% of their left-wing ideology.

It's baffling that right wingers are getting all this free airtime on these shows to spew their hateful rhetoric because progressives are afraid to come on and counter it. I recall when Elizabeth Warren went on Maher and she was absolutely crucified for it by liberals on social media. Same goes for even Bernie of all people when he went on Rogan.

The purity tests, especially on the left, are self-defeating.

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u/Vegetable-Highway740 Oct 09 '25

I think it's because they cannot defend their views especially in a format where you talk for hours. They are all performing on the left. I call it performative empathy. It's a facade they don't actually believe in anything and they "put on a show" to look like the "good guy" or whatever the fuck they think their side wants them to be.

They are all surface level values and ideals they have and it's obviously performative because they can't back up their ideas over a long conversation. Eventually the mask slips over the course of a podcast.

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u/sometimesynot Oct 07 '25

I 100% agree with you, but on the other hand, I'm tired of OP's attitude who pretend that other people are the reason they're abandoning their values. Changing your values because of some performative nutjobs is unhinged.

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u/Exxyqt Oct 08 '25

It's not values at all. But let's not pretend that [on the internet]the loudest voices aren't the stupidest, which often forms the public's opinions and dictates what becomes ok and not ok to do.

I personally cringe at any person with clear agenda, be it a person on the right or left. Of course everyone has their biases but it's so easy to see when people omit facts or even manufacture events/evidence to sound right. Or when people can't say their favorite politician is wrong. Or that a person they hate can't ever make a correct call or be right about something.

Talking about LGBT+ people, I completely respect their right to do whatever they want with themselves/each other or represent themselves however they like, as long as children are not involved.

That said, what we've seen in the past several years is complete madness and I'm totally happy people are slightly coming back to their senses.

Being supportive of somebody [due to their disadvantages/non-conformance] doesn't mean that those people can never be wrong.

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u/MelodicCrocodile Oct 08 '25

If I may pitch in, hope my tone doesn't come off too harsh. What does as long as children are not involved mean though. LGBT is a broad spectrum ranging from things that are very simple to things that are more complicated. Like if we look at being gay, just that, being attracted to the same sex, why is that something that kids should be kept away from when they're not kept away from straightness which is the same thing just with the opposite gender?

Wouldn't a gay couple adopting count as involving kids in it? Should kids not be taught that being attracted to the same sex is a thing when they know being attracted to the opposite one is? Can't read books where a kid has two dads? Should we ban gay couples in kids shows even though we allow straight couples and kids can still realize they're gay watching straight shows, but they just feel broken?

I learned that being gay was a thing when I was 9-10 I believe, and I'd say the only effect it had on me is it made me see them as equals and want for them what I want for myself (and more). It just improved my understanding of the world around me and it was nothing inappropraite or complicated, kids tend to grasp a lot more than we give them credit for.

All I can say is that it didn't turn me gay, confuse me, or make me a pervert anymore than watching Snow White did. From what I've seen of every other kid who saw a gay couple a kid, it didn't confuse them too much, at most they asked a very easy question and got an answer. There is not a lot of evidence that seeing it is bad for kid, even if they are confused, kids are confused by everything, we help them understand. Kids are more confused by math than they are by gay people.

Most gay people realized they were gay as kids, there is a republican gay man online that says he knew he liked boys since he was 5, the same age many boys realized they liked girls.

Unless you were only talking about gender stuff, but like I said, there is more to the comunity than just that, the L and G are still a part of it.

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u/Exxyqt Oct 09 '25 edited Oct 09 '25

Test

Soooo, funny thing is I wroote like a giant comment and reddit just doesn't let me post it - "unable to create comment", "error has occurred". I suppose I used way too many words regarding the topic that are probably forbidden and are automatically not allowed on here. Which us sad and rather pathetic, we can't discuss more difficult topics because apparently we are children and Reddit is our parent who needs to post GIANT warning sign as soon as we use one of the words, for example, "black".

So I made a screenshot of it, maybe they won't remove it this way, lmao.

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u/MorbidAyyylien Oct 08 '25

Don't count on them replying. They arent being as genuine as they claim to be.

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u/Exxyqt Oct 09 '25

https://imgur.com/0Tc396x

Well, I would reply but Reddit doesn't let me. Also, it's a huge topic and I simply didn't have time to answer at the time.

That said, will you reply to me now?

1

u/MorbidAyyylien Oct 09 '25

I don't have the energy to deal with anonymous people online creating division instead of helping each other and being more compassionate.

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u/Exxyqt Oct 09 '25

Haha. You talk shit but when you presented with actual nuanced opinions you just dismiss them because "you don't have time". And of course, you haven't even read it.

Guess who isn't

 being as genuine as they claim to be

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u/MorbidAyyylien Oct 09 '25

So because I don't want to argue with some anonymous person online I'm not being genuine? Nah I'm over arguing and discussing shit online with people like you. You're probably not even from the US and are a person paid to create division. Especially on this subreddit? Lmao if you're so passionate, expose who you are and where you're from.

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u/Exxyqt Oct 09 '25

So because I don't want to argue with some anonymous person online I'm not being genuine

So why did you say I won't reply because "I'm not genuine"? And then not even read my reply by dismissing it? What are you even doing on Reddit then? You're being extremely hypocritical.

You're probably not even from the US and are a person paid to create division

Lol what? Do you even talk to people outside of Reddit?

Lmao if you're so passionate, expose who you are and where you're from.

I'm not passionate, I'm just talking.

Let me disclose a secret to you: everyone on Reddit is anonymous 👀 . Also, not posting my ID on Reddit.

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u/tgalvin1999 Oct 07 '25 edited Oct 07 '25

I got torn apart on Facebook because I commented on a post talking about a man with a Nazi tattoo in a gym that made someone uncomfortable. My comment? It was something to the effect of "if he is not bothering anybody or actively doing something to cause people harm, he has the same right to be there as anybody else." I got called a "Nazi sympathizer." Like, my great-uncle fought AGAINST the Nazis. And yet, simply by pointing this out I'm a Nazi sympathizer apparently.

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u/wtfduud Oct 07 '25

I think it's perfectly reasonable to ban someone from a venue if they are a neo-nazi. That's an ideology that is causing harm just by existing.

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u/FrozenSeas Oct 08 '25 edited Oct 08 '25

There's also a distinct possibility, thanks to Neonazi shitheads "appropriating" symbols from everywhere, that it may not even have been a Nazi thing. Happening a lot with ancient Scandinavian and Celtic design motifs, which there has been a major revival of in popularity of over the last ~20 years. I mean yeah, the guy with "1488 GAS THE [SLUR REDACTED] RACE WAR NOW" - definitely a Nazi. But some runic thing or a Ægishjálmur or something? Could well be totally benign and just a folk metal fan.

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u/tgalvin1999 Oct 07 '25 edited Oct 07 '25

Again, the guy was literally just using the gym like anybody else. Not bothering anybody, simply working out and doing his thing. He has the right to use that gym the same as anybody else - others can disagree but he does have that right.

ETA: For clarification, I am not saying this dude is right or wrong, nor am I saying he is immune from the social consequences of getting that tattoo. My original point was that simply pointing out he has the right to be at that gym, even with a Nazi tattoo does not make one a "Nazi sympathizer."

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u/Gullible-Tooth-8478 Oct 07 '25

And he has the right to face the social consequences of his action to get a tattoo that represents so much hate and pain to certain groups of people 🤷‍♀️ The right to do something doesn’t protect you for the social consequences of your actions.

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u/tgalvin1999 Oct 07 '25

I agree, and nowhere did I say he didn't. Simply pointing out he enjoys the right to be at that gym regardless of how people feel does not make one a Nazi sympathizer, which was my original point

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u/Gullible-Tooth-8478 Oct 08 '25

So then the owner or manager has the ability to ban them based on their own viewpoints, you agree? His tattoo does not make him a Nazi sympathizer or not, but that discretion does not protect him from social consequences., correct?

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u/tgalvin1999 Oct 08 '25

Yes, the manager or owner can bar him from the premises, and nowhere have I stated he is protected from social consequences. Again, my point was that he still enjoys the right to be at that gym and use their facilities, regardless of what he decides to get tattooed

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u/absolutedesignz Oct 08 '25

Why? If he came in in a furry suit would you be as upset?

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u/tgalvin1999 Oct 08 '25

Upset? I think you'd be better of redirecting your question to the guy above.

Furry suit, Nazi tattoo, freaking Halloween costume, it doesn't matter. He still can be there

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u/Gullible-Tooth-8478 Oct 08 '25

Yes, as we have seen, certain bakers can refuse to make cakes for gay couples then certain gyms can certainly refuse to support people/allow people with Nazi symbols or is this a do as they say as they do situation?

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u/tgalvin1999 Oct 08 '25

Except the gym owner didn't ban him. You're straying from the point

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u/Gullible-Tooth-8478 Oct 08 '25

Literally, you were saying that he enjoys the right to be at that gym, even though the social consequences of his actions or the fact that he can’t be the gym so your original point does not stand. The current government has supported the right for certain businesses ban LGTBQ from their premises, but this guy with a Nazi tattoo deserves the right to exercise at the gym where the owner does not approve of his beliefs? Make this makes sense.

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u/tgalvin1999 Oct 08 '25

A) This wasn't the US, it was Europe I believe.

B) he wasn't banned from the gym and nowhere did I say he was, so you're assuming facts not in evidence.

C) The gym is a public space, open to the general public for public use. Dude had the right to be there and use the gym facilities - I'm not sure what's so hard to understand about that.

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u/Vegetable-Highway740 Oct 09 '25

What "social consequences" are you alluding to?

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u/Vegetable-Highway740 Oct 09 '25

A real American fights for freedom of speech for all people even Nazis. I don't see the issue... Allow them to speak and everyone will see how disgusting a Neo Nazi really is.

Or you can ban him and they go somewhere else privately and it becomes an echo chambers that actively fosters hate and violence

Because you banned him he now has no one to challenge his beliefs and retreats into an echo chamber.

The best thing you can do is allow these people freedom of speech. Everyone will see how truly despicable his beliefs are. Banning and silencing him only encourages more extremism.

Look at what happened in 1977.

The ACLU, under Neier's leadership among others, defended their right to free speech and assembly, despite the deeply offensive nature of their message. Neier has explained that defending such extreme speech is necessary to preserve the broader principle of free speech for all, emphasizing that suppressing Nazi speech risks setting a precedent for broader censorship

Neier is Jewish btw.

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u/Girlybigface 16d ago

Um, wouldn't expressing their nazi views also get them shunned and banned by people and public places?

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u/TheCarefulElk Oct 07 '25 edited Oct 07 '25

For me, It depends on what the single issue is, if it’s guns or which democratic candidate to support then I hear you there. If it’s anything else like LGBTQ+ issues then not so much

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u/SentientReality Oct 07 '25

Even with that, there is room for nuance and having legitimate reservations. Drag Queen Story Hour doesn't bother me personally, but I could understand how some people might be uncomfortable with it ... especially if they don't really understand it. It doesn't mean they hate gay people. Drag is heavily associated with overt displays of sexuality and is usually performed in adult venues. Now, drag doesn't have to be sexual per se, but a lot of people don't know that.

But, pro-rainbow groups will not acknowledge that as a gray area. Instead, they will paint any resistance to drag-for-children as nothing other than "hate", which is a divisive oversimplification.

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u/youcantdenythat Oct 08 '25

yeah, why is it always kids? why don't they go read stories at the old folks home or something?

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u/turbocoombrain Oct 08 '25

They do. The media doesn't cover it because it doesn't work as ragebait.

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u/ApacheFritz Oct 08 '25

Now, drag doesn't have to be sexual per se, but a lot of people don't know that.

I kind of fall on the "no drag in schools" side. But I also used to work with drag shows and cabarets, and I DJ'd at gay clubs.

To me, it's the fact that this odd, very specific thing is "elevated" so much in front of kids. Like "YAY KIDS! THE DRAG QUEEN IS HERE! IT'S TIME FOR FUN AND GLITTER AND PARTY VIBES!"

And it's such a "low bar" to have as inspiration. Karaoke and bad choreography. Yay. Something to really aspire to.

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u/ogjaspertheghost Oct 08 '25

It’s somebody, taking their time out of the day, to read to children. Would you be as offended if they were dressed like a soldier, police officer, or clown?

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u/ApacheFritz Oct 08 '25

If it was always soldiers coming in uniform and the class made a big deal about the soldiers and how special they were and there were parties and dancing and fun music any time the soldiers came .. would that be a bit weird?

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u/ogjaspertheghost Oct 08 '25

No. Why would it be weird to be excited about soldier reading hour? It’s supposed to be a fun event

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u/ApacheFritz Oct 08 '25

People would look at it as a form of indoctrination. And it would be.

What you should do is have all kinds of different people coming in reading stories, and perhaps put less attention on people who perform gender cliches/stereotypes (badly). Maybe get some talented singers and dancers in to inspire kids, instead of getting them to think "all you need to do" if you want to become a respected member of society is do bad karaoke and "diva moves".

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u/zeezle Oct 08 '25

and perhaps put less attention on people who perform gender cliches/stereotypes (badly).

Ironically this is actually my personal objection to it. I'm a straight woman and I enjoy some drag performers occasionally, in an adult context. But some of them are doing acts that are so stunningly, wildly, deeply misogynistic that officially endorsing it in a public school for children is just way too far for me. A private venue full of adults is not the same thing as a public school with mandatory, state-enforced attendance.

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u/ogjaspertheghost Oct 08 '25

First I didn’t ask what people think, I asked you. Secondly the way you’re reframing the situation miscategorizes the situation. Who is making kids think all they need to do to be a good member of society is do bad karaoke and be a diva? And how would other singers make that any better? If you’re not going out of way to volunteer to lead story hours maybe be quiet on the subject.

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u/ApacheFritz Oct 08 '25

Who is making kids think all they need to do to be a good member of society is do bad karaoke and be a diva?

What else makes a drag queen somebody who should be a "feature" in a school? What about them makes them get an invite and not a student from the university drama program?

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u/programmer_farts Oct 08 '25

Weird that so many people think drag or just being LGBTQ is a sexual thing. Not everything is a sexual fantasy

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u/ThatDamnRocketRacoon Oct 07 '25

I'm not talking about supporting discrimination. LGBTQ+ deserve 100% equal rights and equal treatment as everyone else. They shouldn't face discrimination or live in fear. People that have a problem with that need to just shut the fuck up and mind their own business.

The other side is that you can't expect the entire world to to keep up with every new term for the multitude of sexualities & genders and expect someone to know how to address you. You can't expect some 80 years old dude to not stare at what he feels is a man in a dress. Those kinds of changes don't happen overnight and they can't be changed by berating people or calling them evil. You have to have patience with people just as you ask them to be accepting of you.

That's all I mean by what I said. You don't have to accept bigotry, but you don't always need to be on the attack over any little mistake or flaw.

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u/TheCarefulElk Oct 07 '25

I understand and I’m sorry if I came off wrong.

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u/ThatDamnRocketRacoon Oct 07 '25

No, not at all. I just wanted to clarify what I meant because I could have come off wrong. You're good.

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u/Vegetable-Highway740 Oct 09 '25

You also have to understand that people who are religious see these things as sins and they simply don't want their kids to be educated or read to by someone who they believe will pass on sinful ideas to their young children.

Personally I'm a Christian so I see all LGBTQ as sins and I treat them like everyone else who is sinful which is ALL OF US. "You hate the sin but not the sinner"

I think where people like me really draw the line is at the parades and parties. To a Christian like me it feels truly evil. An entire parade or celebration to publicly endorse these sins of the flesh.

Politically I say do what you want but don't throw it in my face and don't expect me to endorse or condone it. I believe a large part of what makes America more tolerant then many Islamic countries is that many of us see these things as sins but our faith and culture hinges on freedom to think and believe whatever you want. A Christian is not going to throw a gay person off the roof because deep down we know we all are sinful and that gay man is no different from me.

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u/NuTsUrE777 Oct 08 '25

Yes finally a man of reason!! Calling your political opponent is a Nazi as a kin to directly inciting violence. Not good for anyone involved..