Comment on Do you think that Edward Snowden is a hero?

• ThanksObama@sh.itjust.works ⁨2⁩ ⁨days⁩ ago

  Nope. You can do a great deed and still be a shitty person.

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  • Ougie@lemmy.world ⁨2⁩ ⁨days⁩ ago

    Are you saying Snowden is a shitty person? If so, why, what’s he done?

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    • ThanksObama@sh.itjust.works ⁨2⁩ ⁨days⁩ ago

      Nope. That goes for everyone.

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    • teslasaur@lemmy.world ⁨2⁩ ⁨days⁩ ago

      He’s not. Unless you think taking a job to protect your country is “shitty”

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      • Ougie@lemmy.world ⁨2⁩ ⁨days⁩ ago

        I’m not saying anything. The thread is about Snowden and you said one can do great things and still be a shitty person, so I’m trying to understand what you mean.

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• Garbagio@lemmy.zip ⁨2⁩ ⁨days⁩ ago

  I would say inspiring people. Not that anyone should be held to that standard, mind you; I don’t begrudge Edward for fucking off to Russia. One heroic deed is certainly more than most, and I think the world would be a better place if more people rose to the occasion. But to call him a hero? Idk. I personally wouldn’t.

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  • Ougie@lemmy.world ⁨2⁩ ⁨days⁩ ago

    Can you give an example of someone you would call a hero?

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    • Garbagio@lemmy.zip ⁨2⁩ ⁨days⁩ ago

      I’d say a well known example is Greta Thunberg. She’s consistently stood up for good things at the cost of her health and safety, and while (no offense) nothing has been at the level of exposing a global surveillance apparatus, she has consistently engaged with the world, rolling each action into her public persona, only to use that persona to garner even more attention to her next action. I know Snowden clearly performed an extraordinary act at the cost of his own health and safety; truly a heroic action. And again, I mean this as no slight, dude did more than most; dude is well within his rights to go live as he wants. But, while I would say that Snowden has a consistency to his message, I wouldn’t necessarily say he has consistency to his action.

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      • Ougie@lemmy.world ⁨2⁩ ⁨days⁩ ago

        You think him fleeing to Russia is inconsistent? It seems to me that the organizations he’s exposed are the sort of outfits that would murder someone like him, so in order to stay alive I don’t know what other choices he would’ve had.

        Agree on Greta btw, but to continue with the same example, I would say that killing a little girl is less likely, because it would create a martyr. And if she were ever in danger I wouldn’t hold it against her if she chose to disappear somewhere. She’s already done more than enough.

        My point being, I don’t necessarily see the difference, and I’m a bit confused at the apparent hesitation to label Snowden a hero. Tempted to assume that the smear campaign is working even in these circles.

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