In the past week I’ve been absolutely roasted for criticising two different countries. Normally I’d be okay with that, I can handle a mild toasting and after all debate is a good thing.
On both occasions though I was flamed for mentioning human rights issues that are established facts and have been known for many, many years. I was critical of the actions/laws of their governments and not the people, their race, religion, general political ideology or nationality.
On both occasions I was bombarded by long posts that parroted propaganda, and in the case of one country I was told (on multiple occasions) that I was ignorant, racist and even fascist for mentioning the issues I did. I’m not complaining about how I was treated, but as a reminder, I was discussing internationally-recognised human rights concerns that can be verified and based in fact.
I could just be paranoid but I’m fairly convinced the responses weren’t from patriotic citizens. I think they were paid trolls or bots, and I think their purpose was to quiet negative talking points about the countries that were mentioned.
Has anyone else had a similar experience?
Cowbee is pretty notoriously long winded and erm, prolific in their comments, if that’s who you’re talking about.
I think China + Russia might be their special interest which would explain the level of “enthusiasm” they have at mention of either. It may also explain the repetitiveness of what they say. Not that they’re necessarily right, but they don’t seem botlike from my experience.
There are a handful of full rabid tankie trolls over in .ml though, so if you dealt with any of those and haven’t blocked I’d recommend doing so now.