I don't know you. Your Substack popped up because I follow Ben Appel and John McWhorter. Yet we come together, though membership isn't required :)
In an ironic way, it looks like some nonconformists still find each other. It often happens online for me, but I keep trying to connect IRL. It looks to me like a kind of candle lit in the window that sends a signal to anyone who walks by at night. Today, that candle's light is Substack or Reddit or something online; but less and less IRL. It is strange for me because it feels like a digital island that separates like minded people.
I've been distancing myself more and more from a group who I'm officially a member. This group screams progressive liberal woke in defense of social justice. Privately, though, some members sound to me that they'll criticize that message, and are much more motivated by supporting a person in their community.
One member who I also occasionally work with holds complex views that I've not quite figured out, but the group will quickly drop her name because she's trans. I've never seen this person act in SJW ways that the group is constantly drumbeating about. We talk about mundane things that many people experience in life: a more reliable car, working double shifts, and of course following "orders" from this group's leadership, etc. That to me is real. I don't need a membership to be a good neighbor to her or anyone.
So I think the great struggle for independent thinkers is the solidarity argument. Is it really the case that only group solidarity can substantially change our world?
I would add one thing in response to your great comment: I think group solidarity is necessary, but only with vigorous debate and inclusion of various points of view within the group. There have always been ways for people of diverse values and beliefs to come together during times of crisis, and it’s a must—even if it’s difficult.
Maybe. I've been convinced that Thinkers can still shape our world. Lacan's Others play a role in my life, for example. But solidarity with Others isn't the only way.
Hail Fellow! John and I were roommates in college as teenagers. Ben I’ve been a fan of for a while now and I love his book. So somehow, we dissidents and contrarians do find each other.
Yes. There is a reason A Wrinkle In Time speaks to you and me. I realised a long time that I am a nonconforming nonconformist. It is far easier to be a conforming nonconformist, but I could never colour within the lines.
I was just reading about the Solomon Asch Line Experiment and conformity. It is basically how to break groupthink, but it is clear that certain ideologies also understand the experiment and have used it to great effect.
The main take away I have from experiment is that some people will dissent when they know the truth is being subverted, but most will go along with the crowd. If there are other people who refuse to go along, it becomes much easier to stand up for one's ideals.
Thank you for writing your stack, James I always enjoy reading it.
Oh, when it comes out in the US -- you must watch I Swear as it raises some interesting issues
I’ll be on the lookout—thanks Michelle! I think you hit on something key: if people knowingly subvert their own instincts about what is right and true in order to conform to a group, they also have to accept responsibility for abandoning their values. It’s harder to stand alone, but ultimately easier on the conscience.
If you have not read about the Solomon Asch line experiment -- it is very interesting (it was mentioned in the FT at the weekend), but it demonstrates ways to impose groupthink and how to break it. https://www.simplypsychology.org/asch-conformity.html
I’m a fan of @Ben Appel and I love his book. While he’s gotten backlash, which I have no doubt he expected, he’s also gathered a lot of support from like minded people.
I think it is the support which matters. You can expect something, but sometimes it comes from somewhere you don't expect it and it takes your breath away.
From what I understand from speaking to others who have under gone cancellation or are experiencing it currently, it is the support, particularly the shoulder to shoulder public support which has been conspicuously missing in this Progressive dominated era in the Arts.
I was very heartened to see the Index on Censorship supporting Polly Clarke about the pulled review of her poetry earlier today, for example so I am hopeful that things might be altering. It is the first time that I know of that the Index on Censorship has supported a GC author in this sort of situation.
Yes, yes, yes. As a nonconformist trans GenXer, I wholeheartedly relate to your story. I've never been a joiner. I've always valued openness and curiosity, which has given me the opportunity to experience so many different "communities." One "community" I have found myself returning to over the years are Unprogrammed Quaker Meetings. Such a delightful group of people, mostly silent, sharing space.
I don't know you. Your Substack popped up because I follow Ben Appel and John McWhorter. Yet we come together, though membership isn't required :)
In an ironic way, it looks like some nonconformists still find each other. It often happens online for me, but I keep trying to connect IRL. It looks to me like a kind of candle lit in the window that sends a signal to anyone who walks by at night. Today, that candle's light is Substack or Reddit or something online; but less and less IRL. It is strange for me because it feels like a digital island that separates like minded people.
I've been distancing myself more and more from a group who I'm officially a member. This group screams progressive liberal woke in defense of social justice. Privately, though, some members sound to me that they'll criticize that message, and are much more motivated by supporting a person in their community.
One member who I also occasionally work with holds complex views that I've not quite figured out, but the group will quickly drop her name because she's trans. I've never seen this person act in SJW ways that the group is constantly drumbeating about. We talk about mundane things that many people experience in life: a more reliable car, working double shifts, and of course following "orders" from this group's leadership, etc. That to me is real. I don't need a membership to be a good neighbor to her or anyone.
So I think the great struggle for independent thinkers is the solidarity argument. Is it really the case that only group solidarity can substantially change our world?
I would add one thing in response to your great comment: I think group solidarity is necessary, but only with vigorous debate and inclusion of various points of view within the group. There have always been ways for people of diverse values and beliefs to come together during times of crisis, and it’s a must—even if it’s difficult.
Maybe. I've been convinced that Thinkers can still shape our world. Lacan's Others play a role in my life, for example. But solidarity with Others isn't the only way.
Hail Fellow! John and I were roommates in college as teenagers. Ben I’ve been a fan of for a while now and I love his book. So somehow, we dissidents and contrarians do find each other.
Yes. There is a reason A Wrinkle In Time speaks to you and me. I realised a long time that I am a nonconforming nonconformist. It is far easier to be a conforming nonconformist, but I could never colour within the lines.
I was just reading about the Solomon Asch Line Experiment and conformity. It is basically how to break groupthink, but it is clear that certain ideologies also understand the experiment and have used it to great effect.
The main take away I have from experiment is that some people will dissent when they know the truth is being subverted, but most will go along with the crowd. If there are other people who refuse to go along, it becomes much easier to stand up for one's ideals.
Thank you for writing your stack, James I always enjoy reading it.
Oh, when it comes out in the US -- you must watch I Swear as it raises some interesting issues
I’ll be on the lookout—thanks Michelle! I think you hit on something key: if people knowingly subvert their own instincts about what is right and true in order to conform to a group, they also have to accept responsibility for abandoning their values. It’s harder to stand alone, but ultimately easier on the conscience.
If you have not read about the Solomon Asch line experiment -- it is very interesting (it was mentioned in the FT at the weekend), but it demonstrates ways to impose groupthink and how to break it. https://www.simplypsychology.org/asch-conformity.html
Also did you read Ben Appel in the Atlantic? In defence of Effeminate Boys https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/03/gay-boys-lgbtq-trans/686179/
I was sorry to see that he had suffered abuse because of his book CIs Gay Male. I believe you read the book and found it interesting.
I’m a fan of @Ben Appel and I love his book. While he’s gotten backlash, which I have no doubt he expected, he’s also gathered a lot of support from like minded people.
I think it is the support which matters. You can expect something, but sometimes it comes from somewhere you don't expect it and it takes your breath away.
From what I understand from speaking to others who have under gone cancellation or are experiencing it currently, it is the support, particularly the shoulder to shoulder public support which has been conspicuously missing in this Progressive dominated era in the Arts.
I was very heartened to see the Index on Censorship supporting Polly Clarke about the pulled review of her poetry earlier today, for example so I am hopeful that things might be altering. It is the first time that I know of that the Index on Censorship has supported a GC author in this sort of situation.
Yes, yes, yes. As a nonconformist trans GenXer, I wholeheartedly relate to your story. I've never been a joiner. I've always valued openness and curiosity, which has given me the opportunity to experience so many different "communities." One "community" I have found myself returning to over the years are Unprogrammed Quaker Meetings. Such a delightful group of people, mostly silent, sharing space.
I thought you’d resonate with this, Zander! Of course, both being non-conformists, we’ve found community with each other…so it is possible!
Yes indeed, brother!