As you know I think attempts to blame Trump for the COVID-19 mess are largely bullshit. I'm not going to give reasons here --although calling attention to my refusal to do so is a fair criticism of what follows-- instead I want to talk about whether or not this kind of bullshitting might be useful.
The idea is simple: this bullshitting contributes to creating a more dynamic system, and this could increase the number and variety of outcomes, some of which may prove successful.
So, while the reality may not be that Trump is responsible for contributing the greatest harm during this outbreak, bullshitting about his role could still be useful. Maybe finding reality is too slow?
We have to create opportunities faster than objectivity allows, and so we bullshit.
What do you think of this bit of bullshit?
The latest fad is a poverty social. Every woman must wear calico,
and every man his old clothes. In addition each is fined 25 cents if
he or she does not have a patch on his or her clothing. If these
parties become a regular thing, says an exchange, won't there be
a good chance for newspaper men to shine?
The Silver State. 1894.
