Why the Term 'Social Justice Warrior' Provokes the Right

Often, the term 'social justice warrior' (SJW) sparks fierce reaction among those on the right. This reaction, while frequently labeled as overblown or even bigotry, reveals deeper psychological and political dynamics.

Triggering the Right

Folks who react strongly to the term social justice warrior seem to be those who seek reasons to feel wronged or victimized.

For instance, when discussing slavery, a common response is: 'Slavery is bad. We shouldn’t have slaves or celebrate slave owners.' However, individuals who get triggered by the term SJW will instead feel targeted, often by hearing, 'You’re a bad person because you’re white!' This reaction isn't just about being offended; it stems from a need for validation or a perceived personal attack.

Perceptions of Inequality

The argument posits that if social justice warriors genuinely cared about social justice for everyone, they would protest against organizations like the NAACP for ignoring applications from poor whites who need assistance. However, the reality is that some groups feel they are being overlooked or underappreciated.

Dr. Gary Marcus, a well-known cognitive scientist, makes the point that 'Right-wingers have bigger brain centers related to fear reactions.' This doesn’t mean they are inherently fearful, but they perceive more phenomena as threats. This heightened sensitivity can lead to more aggressive or hate-filled reactions, which may explain why the phrase 'SJW' provokes intense emotion.

Psychological Insights from Brain Science

Research shows that the brain regions associated with fear reactions are larger and more active in right-wingers. However, this doesn't mean they are fearful individuals; rather, they perceive more phenomena as threats. This heightened sensitivity to threats may explain their strong reactions to labels like 'SJW.'

The Public Perception of Right-Wingers

From my observations, the reactions of those who identify as right-wingers, particularly within the Tea Party movement, are more characterized by hatefulness and detesting than by goodwill. This doesn’t mean all right-wingers are hate-filled, but those who are tend to have a more adversarial stance.

The term 'Deplorables' has been used to describe this group, and while some might argue against it, it does capture a prominent sentiment within the right. These individuals often cleave to racist views and seem to align more with the idea of individual freedom at the expense of broader societal values.

Conservative Behavior and Sociopathy

Tea Party activists and some conservatives exhibit behaviors that mimic sociopaths, willing to endanger others for the sake of some idea or interest they hold. For example, the Capital Step demonstrators with their 'Freedom Signs' and AKs show a disregard for the well-being of others. This hateful and detesting attitude is a defining characteristic of these individuals.

These actions and attitudes are best understood through his narrative: these right-wingers seek to protect the broadest possible individual freedoms, almost to the detriment of broader societal principles and values. It’s a calculated decision that reveals a deeply rooted belief in selfish individualism over communal values and cooperation.

Conclusion

The term 'Social Justice Warrior' provokes a strong reaction from the right because it often feels like an attack on their personal identity and beliefs. From brain science to psychological observations, the right's reaction is rooted in a complex interplay of fear, perception, and ideology. Understanding these dynamics can help in formulating more inclusive and effective communication strategies in the ongoing discourse on social justice and politics.