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Collective Devaluation Paradox

A social phenomenon arising in the context of neoliberalism, a specific form of capitalism that not only encourages commodification but also promotes the moralization of that commodification. In this setting, individual gains, particularly those spurred by the moralization and normalization of commodified emotional labor, lead to collective losses. These losses manifest in forms such as systemic exploitation, increased mental health burdens, and perpetuated social inequalities. The paradox emerges from the mismatch between individual pursuits and collective well-being, exacerbated as governments and societal structures exploit surplus emotional labor, further normalizing its commodification. This exploitation, embedded in the dynamics of neoliberalism, contributes to the devaluation of collective emotional health and well-being.
A: you see that video of the nurse bike incident?

B: A Collective Devaluation Paradox.

A: wa?

B: A social phenomenon w/ often occurs in neoliberalism, a form of capitalism that not only encourages commodification but also promotes the moralization of that commodification. In situations like this, individual gains can lead to collective losses.

A: losses?

B: They manifest in various way, eg. systemic exploitation, increased mental health burdens, & perpetuated social inequalities. The paradox emerges from the mismatch between individual pursuit & collective well-being.

A: I see. So perhaps, in a world where emotional labor hadn't become moralized to become commodified, the men might have recognized the woman's situation - her role as a nurse, her apparent exhaustion & consider letting her take the bike as an act of kindness or empathy. But in our current society, where interpersonal interactions are often viewed through a capitalist lens, there's no societal expectation for them to do so. The moral obligation to consider the emotional state of others is diminished in the face of individual rights & possessions.

B: it doesn't stop there. Societal structures often exploit surplus emotional labor, which further normalizes its commodification. This exploitation, embedded in the dynamics of neoliberalism, contributes to the devaluation of collective emotional health & well-being. So, while everyone seeks individual gain, we have broader societal loss.
by cyberphunkisms May 15, 2023
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Markiplier Paradox

When a person is simultaneously the dumbest person in the room and the smartest person in the room.
Person 1: Dude, how the hell did he get outta that bad hand?
Person 2: The Markiplier Paradox. He's somehow both bad and good at poker.
by War zone boi January 27, 2024
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Lolipop Paradox

The theory that there is only one cquirrel (pronounced squirrel) in the universe that exists as an omnipotent and omnipresent being. The Cquirel is an evolved human that has has come back from the year distant 1420 so there is only one and a paradox is created every time he is seen next to himself in any field of vision.
#AUB
Jek: oh look a squirrel next to himself this must be the lolipop Paradox...henlo friend!
by Kane_Nekono May 27, 2018
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red Batman Paradox

The moment in ones life when one meets a degenerate that likes to groom little girls and hates anime
person 1: hey i just met this degenerate, he likes grooming little girls and hates anime.

person 2: yikes, sounds like the red Batman Paradox to me.
by le bruh moment April 19, 2021
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The Roman Mars paradox

The Roman Mars Paradox is a thought experiment that illustrates an apparent paradox of experiencing Roman Mars in different forms of media. In the thought experiment, Roman Mars may be considered simultaneously both attractive and unattractive as a result of being linked to the event of viewing Roman Mars.
The Roman Mars Paradox can include both of these statements.

Roman Mars is so attractive, he makes my pussy wet!

I saw Roman Mars and it made my pussy dry-up like a saltine cracker.
by BobDylan March 13, 2021
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self-help paradox

The age-old conundrum of "people who seek self-improvement vs. people who need self-improvement" --- generally speaking, the people who are conscientious and unashamedly self-examining enough to actively seek ways to improve themselves do not really need to self-improve very much, whereas the people who truly do need to improve themselves will not admit that they even HAVE a self-inadequacy problem, and so they arrogantly/impatiently refuse to seek or accept help in improving their character or behavior (think, the infamous "getters gettin' got" conversation between Madea and Dr. Phil).
Client, to counsellor, at the outset of their weekly meeting: Breaker one-five for reality check --- come on back?
Counsellor, playing along: Yeah, go ahead, Breaker --- reading you wall-to-wall and treetop-tall.
Client: Thanks --- that's a big ten-four, good buddy. Well, I'm in the process of trying to improve myself, and so I thought I'd send a random shout-out over the waves to check my progress. I've been trying to be more sociable and patient and helpful to everyone, visualize things more from their perspective, and so on.
Counsellor: Well, eights and other good numbers to you on THAT one, good buddy --- that's certainly a positive start. Have you tried self-help books?
Client: Oh, a great BIG ten-four THERE, good buddy --- I've read at least a half-dozen of 'em cover-to-cover, and loved every page; the problem, though, is that I never seem to find any new ideas --- most everything in there is stuff I already know about and am actively practicing, so the books just reassuringly confirm the nature and wisdom of my efforts, not provide fresh perspectives for further improvement.
Counsellor: Ah... well, ten-four, good buddy --- I totally "get you" there... the old "self-help paradox", eh?? The only people who'll read those books are ones who don't need 'em!
by QuacksO February 3, 2017
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paradox of freedom

The effect where the more children are prohibited from doing things, the more curious and rebellious they will become. Conversely, when they're given complete trust, they will learn to take responsibility.
The paradox of freedom is evident when my parents tried to restrict my late-night outings; the more they said no, the more I wanted to sneak out and rebel!
by Emotional Cruiser November 15, 2025
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