Sometimes, I go on rants that are basically just random posts where I discuss things that anger me. So it is with this post. I am speaking specifically of words that enrage me and make me want to slam the speaker’s face into the pavement.
Today, I am discussing the words “common sense” and “no-brainer.” These are, in my opinion, words that people use to gaslight or otherwise brainwash people into doing things that the speaker wants them to. For example, a politician might say that they’re trying to get “a common sense bill” passed.
Last year, a politician used “common sense” to garner support for his proposal. He wanted people to walk in lockstep with him, so he used those words. And, hey, no one wants to be thought of as having no common sense, so the people will agree with him lest people think they lack common sense.
The other phrase, “no-brainer” is also used. This phrase, of course, means that someone is expected to agree with it without critical thinking or verification. We see it all the damn time, gentle reader. The phrase is absolutely valid. We see that in the dictionaries.
The problem is that it’s used by people who typically want people to hop on board with them without any thought whatsoever. That’s potentially dangerous. There are numerous news stories that report on people using that phrase. The problem is that they seem to be preying on people.
Some examples can be found just by typing that phrase, but you can also Google it, narrowing it down to Albany, New York, and you’ll see multiple examples of people using that phrase to, I think, intentionally brainwash people into agreeing with them.
If I wanted to brainwash you, the reader, into agreeing with me on something, I would attempt to do so by using that phrase. For example, I could say, “me purchasing the property next door so that I can construct a mini garage is a no-brainer.” Problem is, my neighbors might not want such a thing. But they might not want to be thought of as having no brain, so they might go along with it to save themselves embarrassment. See where the problem comes in?
Now that the article is done, you hitting the back button and scrolling through to find another post is a no-brainer and a common sense thing to do.
Doesn’t feel too good, does it?