This Mom Explains How Memes And Social Media Can Turn Young Boys Into Racists

Regarding Ben Shapiro, I had heard that had been banned from speaking at some campus due to some protests, and I heard that people on the right were talking about liberal colleges, etc. I just assumed that these speakers were really, really hateful people like KKK members. So, my son showed me a speech by Ben Shapiro at a campus. He said one controversial thing, and the college ended his speech, shut him down. I was dumbfounded. I don't agree with pretty much anything the guy says, but he wasn't saying anything that should cause that reaction. I think he said many people who are poor are poor due to bad decisions. I think it is largely wrong or at least far more complicated than that, but I wanted to hear his points. No need to kick him out. If nothing else, he challenges a person to think how to defend their own view, which is a very good mental exercise. (FYI, I'm quite progressive, as is my son. Sanders and Jill Stein voters.)

If the GOP has it's way all your problems are solved within a few months: Civil liberties groups are warning of a major threat to online freedoms and First Amendment rights if a leaked draft of a Trump administration edict—dubbed by critics as a “Censor the Internet” executive order that would give powerful federal agencies far-reaching powers to pick and choose which kind of Internet material is and is not acceptable—is allowed to go into effect. Which means that from that moment only the racist, sexist propaganda from Trump and the GOP can be published.

She doesn't accuse the whole meme culture. In fact, she's inviting other parents to help their kids filter out the harmful ones amongst memes. Because, whether we like it or not, memes are used as a tool for brainwashing as well, since they're short, humorous easy to understand, relatable, and easy to share. Sure, tons of memes out there are harmless, even cute sometimes, but as much are also subtly offensive, while another ton is straightforward offensive. The important part is to learn to differentiate between various kinds of contents, and that's exactly the point of this mother's analogy.

I only ever hear triggered used when someone thinks another person is overreacting. Her point being that, if someone is using "triggered" they're almost certainly complaining about someone disagreeing with them on something offensive. White supremacy was only one aspect that this woman was talking about. She also mentioned sexism, homophobia and anti-semitism. She has not said all memes are like that, but to watch out for those that are - the ones kids are drawn into when they find them among the harmless funny ones they originally went looking for. They go looking for a joke about Chuck Norris or raiding Area51 and are led down a darker path.

Being triggered is not about being annoyed, it's about being catapulted into what is often a very bad head space by someone's racist, sexist, or other offensive and frightening words or behavior. Or, if you're a veteran with combat experience, it's fireworks or a gunshot putting you right back in the very thick of your worst nightmares from service, or a sudden awakening making you lash out at the nearest person because, again, you're stuck in the very physical manifestation of your past bad experiences. It can be so intense that you are completely unaware of your present situation. This is not fun for anyone. It's no joke and can be very dangerous for the people around you, especially for those who have combat experience and lash out and hurt or kill their loved ones. https://everydayfeminism.com/2015/06/guide-to-triggering/

The word triggered used in a derogatory manner is almost solely the domain who sling around words like snowflake to describe someone. It goes with a general culture of insensitivity, rudeness, and far, far worse things. Usually a culture of misogyny, racism, and those who minimize the humanity of others to make themselves feel better. That culture is toxic, and using the word triggered is generally an indicator that they've been exposed to it and have, to some degree, been indoctrinated. No one thinks all memes are bad, but there does exist a kind of meme that is totally devoid of humanity, and unless you are heartless, aren't even funny.

agree man... hope you don't go down the liberal downvote drain

Yeah but you only agree with mom "teaching" because you agree with what she'll teach. If anybody else has a different opinion I bet you won't be as open to the concept. So many people are hypocrites because they teach empathy and tolerance...so long as it agrees with their exact views. The examples she cites are often virtue signallers and race baiters. You probably have the opposite opinion and that's just fine. I'm cool with your comment so long as you accept that there's more than one way to think.

No, this is not about politics or edgy humor. It's lessons in basic morality in a world where people are being executed by mass shooters who use the same language.