Humorous Examinations of Political Partisanship: The Church of Holy Outrage (COHO)
When it comes to the political left, I often find myself resorting to humorous terms to describe the dynamics and characters within The Church of Holy Outrage (COHO). COHO, a collection of various denominations, is dominated by feminists, SJWs (Social Justice Warriors), Marxists, anti-gun advocates, and progressives. This church, despite its grandiose claims of equality and justice, struggles to define its core principles beyond a repetitive mantra of these ideals.
COHO is inherently chaotic, a result of its ever-expanding denominations and unpredictable behaviors. These subgroups often clash and even turn on one another for the smallest of reasons. A notable incident involved Joss Whedon, a patron saint of COHO, being "cannibalized" for a single moment when a female character appeared weak, despite having previously been portrayed as extremely strong. Other notable patrons include Chanty Binx of the Big Red Flame, Anita Sarkeesian, and Ana Kasparian.
The Structure of the Church of Holy Outrage (COHO)
The Clergy: The leadership of COHO comprises elements of modern activist movements. Feminists bring a focus on gender equality, activists emphasize social justice, Marxists advocate for economic and social change, and progressives push for a broad spectrum of policies often aligned with leftist ideologies. These groups are not always in agreement and their interactions are often humorous and chaotic.
Key Beliefs and Behaviors
Equality: The central tenet of COHO is an unwavering belief in equality, yet this tenet is often undercut by internal disagreements and discriminatory practices. The word "equality" is frequently repeated without concrete actions, much like a mantra. When confronted with the reality of these issues, members of COHO often become more ideologically rigid, changing their arguments to match the latest socially acceptable narrative.
Practical Examples and Historical Incidents
Internal Conflicts
In 2017, Joss Whedon's canon was temporarily rewritten as part of a public apology for past sexual misdeeds. This incident led to a significant reevaluation of Whedon's legacy by the COHO. The controversy came to a head over a moment in one of his earlier works where a female character exhibited a moment of weakness. Even though this character was previously portrayed as powerful, her temporary vulnerability was deemed inappropriate. This single moment led to a witch hunt of sorts, with chants of "cannibalize" echoing through the halls of COHO.
Other Notable Patrons
Chanty Binx of the Big Red Flame: Binx, a prominent figure in feminist movements, is known for her fiery speeches and relentless advocacy for women's rights. She embodies the passion and fervor of COHO, often leading large protests and organizing online campaigns.
Anita Sarkeesian: Sarkeesian is a prominent figure in the discourse on gender and violence in video games. She has become a symbol of resistance against the harmful narratives perpetuated by mainstream media. Sarkeesian's work has led to numerous debates within COHO, with some praising her for her efforts and others criticizing her for being too aggressive in her critiques.
Ana Kasparian: Kasparian, a journalist and commentator, is known for her blunt and often controversial opinions. She has become a popular figure within the progressive wing of COHO, frequently engaging in public debates and interviews where she offers her insights on various political issues. Her honesty and direct style make her a polarizing figure, revered and reviled in equal measure.
Conclusion
While the term "The Church of Holy Outrage" might sound hyperbolic, it accurately captures the chaotic, unpredictable, and often humorous nature of contemporary political left. The players within COHO are driven by idealism and a desire for change, yet their methods and actions can be just as chaotic and unpredictable as the forces they seek to oppose.
It's important to recognize that humorous examinations like these are rooted in the observations of societal trends and behaviors. While satire can often feel biting and satirical, it is a reflection of the reality of today's political discourse.