We control what you think with Language |
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Said and done |
Jargon, buzzwords, slogans |
“”When I was poor and complained about inequality they said I was bitter; now that I'm rich and I complain about inequality they say I'm a hypocrite. I'm beginning to think they just don't want to talk about inequality.
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—Russell Brand[1] |
The term "champagne socialist" is a logical fallacy in which critics of capitalism are subject to an Appeal to hypocrisy, to dismiss any and all arguments and criticisms.
It was coined by a confederate solider, George Cary Eggleston, who remained his entire life a complete defender of white supremacy and slavery by championing the Lost Cause.[2]
As a snarl word, it's used primarily by folks who believe in shooting the messenger that people who have been the beneficiaries of capitalism should be precluded from criticizing its failures and shortcomings.
The term was first used to criticise the first Labour government of Ramsay MacDonald,[3] Oscar Wilde,[4] and even the non-socialist New Labour.[5]