Strawmen are usually meant to be a misrepresentation of an opponent's argument that makes it easier to attack. For examples of strawmen being used, put the word "SJW" or "conservative" into the search bar of this godforsaken website.
Normally, an appropriate response is to call out the fact that this is a gross simplification in order to discourage the use of logical fallacies and promote basic fucking debate skills.
However, some people instead choose to become the Strawman Incarnate, in which they embrace every negative aspect of the opponent's grossly exaggerated characterization for the sake of "owning" them
For examples of this, see /pol/ on 4chan, or (insert bad thing the left did so I don't get dislike bombed by conservatives).
Normally, an appropriate response is to call out the fact that this is a gross simplification in order to discourage the use of logical fallacies and promote basic fucking debate skills.
However, some people instead choose to become the Strawman Incarnate, in which they embrace every negative aspect of the opponent's grossly exaggerated characterization for the sake of "owning" them
For examples of this, see /pol/ on 4chan, or (insert bad thing the left did so I don't get dislike bombed by conservatives).
Simplified example of Strawman Incarnate:
Person A: Side B is bad because they eat babies!
Person B walks out and returns holding a baby and a fork
Person B: I BETCHA FEEL STUPID NOW, HUH?!?
Person A: Side B is bad because they eat babies!
Person B walks out and returns holding a baby and a fork
Person B: I BETCHA FEEL STUPID NOW, HUH?!?
by PostTraumaticSwagDisorder May 09, 2025
whatever it is, you aren't finding it here.
"Tonight in the news! Local gay man trapped in storm gets struck by lightning! What is God trying to tell us?
And later, our undercover reporters in the Middle East give us more details on the repressive, fundamentalist regimes and why we need to stop them!"
- Men in Hats, an aggressively mediocre early 2000s webcomic that at least had some good points on intellectual honesty
And later, our undercover reporters in the Middle East give us more details on the repressive, fundamentalist regimes and why we need to stop them!"
- Men in Hats, an aggressively mediocre early 2000s webcomic that at least had some good points on intellectual honesty
by PostTraumaticSwagDisorder May 09, 2025
When someone's character, actions, or opinions are judged SOLELY based on a group or person they are associated with, rather than their own merits or actions. Essentially, it's assuming that negative traits of one individual or group automatically apply to others who are connected to them.
Works on the basis of things other than people, (ideas, groups, etc.)
Works on the basis of things other than people, (ideas, groups, etc.)
Association fallacy on the basis of people:
John James has a brother who committed fraud and petty theft, so we should really keep an eye on John because he probably learned a thing or two from his brother!
Didn't Bob Generic spend some time in that labor union? Yeah, we should kick him out before he starts spouting off stuff about eating the rich!
Association fallacy on the basis of ideas:
The Conservative Party has deep ties to traditionalism, nationalism, and anti-communism. Y'know who else did? THE NAZIS! LOCK THOSE GENOCIDAL, RACIST BASTARDS UP!
The Democratic Party has deep ties to liberalism and worker's rights. Y'know who else did? THE COMMIES! LOCK THOSE GENOCIDAL, OPPRESSIVE BASTARDS UP!
John James has a brother who committed fraud and petty theft, so we should really keep an eye on John because he probably learned a thing or two from his brother!
Didn't Bob Generic spend some time in that labor union? Yeah, we should kick him out before he starts spouting off stuff about eating the rich!
Association fallacy on the basis of ideas:
The Conservative Party has deep ties to traditionalism, nationalism, and anti-communism. Y'know who else did? THE NAZIS! LOCK THOSE GENOCIDAL, RACIST BASTARDS UP!
The Democratic Party has deep ties to liberalism and worker's rights. Y'know who else did? THE COMMIES! LOCK THOSE GENOCIDAL, OPPRESSIVE BASTARDS UP!
by PostTraumaticSwagDisorder May 09, 2025