I may need to say something that is (seemingly) nice about someone, but I’d prefer it be very subtly backhanded or nearly believable hyperbole.

    • Zachariah@lemmy.worldOP
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      11 hours ago

      I have befriended someone who has high opinions of some people I regard as selfish toxic idiots. I don’t feel the need to launch a frontal assault on this person’s beliefs, but I also don’t want to simply agree with them.

      Admittedly, it’s passive aggressive. I may not follow through.

      • Perspectivist@feddit.uk
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        10 hours ago

        You can express your views about these people in a dispassionate manner as well. It’s not a choice between being a dick about it or agreeing with them. Nothing good comes from passive aggression. You’d probably consider that toxic too if it were directed at you or your opinions.

        • Zachariah@lemmy.worldOP
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          9 hours ago

          fair point

          currently, I just don’t reply

          edit: My other thought was to really lean into agreeing with them. For example: The friend doesn’t explicitly embrace these people’s racism, but maybe it would make an impact if the friend witnessed me celebrating these people’s racism when the friend praises them for something else.

          • moondoggie@lemmy.world
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            8 hours ago

            I use the blank stare with “what do you mean?” Then I continue to be clueless as they explain whatever shitty viewpoint they’re backing.