I think English signs itself isn’t always sus. But Israeli flags? Come on.

  • TechnoUnionTypeBeat [he/him, they/them]@hexbear.net
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    2 months ago

    English signs itself isn’t always sus

    It is 100% sus when the country isn’t English. It implies the signs are there to beg for American support, not for support within their own borders (or from neighbours and allies)

    • Bedulge [he/him]@hexbear.net
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      2 months ago

      I don’t believe you have ever attended or seen a protest in a country that does not speak English. English language signs are common in both right wing and left wing protests. By common, I mean that they are gonna be present, if not in big numbers, than in small numbers, basically at any protest.

      Why?

      Over 150 countries around the world have English as a required subject in school. Everyone learns English now, and in a few generations the majority of the world population will probably be at least slightly bilingual in English. It is the global auxiliary language. When a socialist from Japan and a socialist from Brazil want to talk to each other, what language do you think they use? Do they think they just refuse to use English (the only language they have in common) bc America is the Great Satan?

      To assume that any message written in English is necessarily directed to Americans is just absurdly Americentric thinking

      Do you think these pro-LGBT protesters in Thailand and Japan are seeking American military intervention? Or do you just think they want the whole world to know what they are saying?

    • bbnh69420 [she/her, they/them]@hexbear.net
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      2 months ago

      This is false, pro-Palestine protests in Japan and South Korea have both used English signage. We need better heuristics for ops than “hehe English sign”

    • Lenins_Cat_Reincarnated@hexbear.net
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      2 months ago

      My city has a large international community that is a bit more activist than the local community do some protest will have mostly English signs even if they are anti imperialist. But generally I agree with you