To get a taste of what I'm getting at as a primer, the best example I've seen of this principle demonstrated is in one of my favorite movies of all time, WarGames:

Spoiler: show

Anyway, I've been thinking about the fact that some societal problems are simply unsolvable. Yet I see far too many people that insist on a certain solution, even when the limitations or feasibility of the solution are collectively known. Most of the time, their heart is in the right place, and just can't bear to see something happen a certain way. Yet it's still frustrating to see a refusal to accept the futility at hand.

A few examples that I can think off right now that qualify:
--The drug war: I think this forum is almost unanimous on this one
--The environment: as LW and I just discussed in the green technology thread, pretty much every form of energy production exacts some level of environmental toll.
--Campaign finance regulation: without some sort of draconian rule that would go far beyond the First Amendment, I've never seen how this could be meaningfully accomplished.

I don't want to outright advocate a defeatist attitude--people should still think about the problems. At the same time, some humility is needed that we can't save everyone and everything in the world.

I tend to agree. Some problems can only be managed, their downsides' minimized.

Exhibit A.

The thing is the power and the money is all in the wrong hands. Im all for optimism and hope for a fruitful and abundant future. However, compromise isnt even on the table, for anything.

I love that movie but why didn't they just unplug the computer?

I was pretty certain that you'd agree.

General Beringer: Just unplug the goddamn thing! Jesus Christ!
McKittrick: That won't work, General. It would interpret a shutdown as the destruction of NORAD. The computers in the silos would carry out their last instructions. They'd launch.

oh

For the love of god stop her.

Welcome to the Futility thread, friend.

The subject is futility, but the thread doesn't have to be.

right



its unfortunate though the bad choices that people have made have driven us to this point

correct?

Unfortunate? Sure. However, it still doesn't have any bearing on whether one's preferred solution is feasible.

I thought for sure this thread would contain a link to this in the first post.

wait, so its not george bush's fault?

You could add the war on terror to this list as well.

I'm increasingly cynical about the state of the world/society. I don't know if that's just a matter of getting older or a true reflection of the current state of affairs. Lately I feel like I'm in a trapped generation. There are too many Baby Boomers who hold what I consider outdated ideals and not enough members of Gen Y who want to manifest change unless it benefits them in a measurable way. There are times when that sense of futility truly saddens me.

A very fascinating take. I'm been on record as saying I'm quite optimistic for how the future will progress, even though I think there are problems that we will collectively have to accept as a fact of life.

I get frustrated that we're still discussing the right to an abortion, same sex marriage, refugees/immigration etc. I feel that governments tend toward placating the most vocal sections of society instead of driving/leading societal change. Of course, my frustration is based on what side of the discussion I sit on. That combined with seeing Prime Ministers and Presidents commenting on the latest ridiculous celebrity sex scandals etc makes me wonder what the fuck we're doing. We seem less inclined to tackle the tough issues and more inclined to focus on the ridiculous because it's easier to think about.

The war on drugs & terror are the two things that fit this thread perfectly.



Oh my god, yes. Great post.

I've also found myself becoming increasingly frustrated with 'slippery slope' arguments. You know the 'oh, we can't do that because someone might take advantage' limitation. The fact is, someone is always going to take advantage. There are selfish people in our society who want something for nothing and they're always going to exist so why do we hold that up as some kind of shield to stop change?

Reading through the threads on this niche message board, I see time and again the argument raised of 'I don't want to see x, y, z put in places/maintained because there are people who take advantage of my hard work/their right to...'. It irritates the shit out of me. We limit ourselves based on fear of change and the possibility that someone out there is going to get something for nothing. It already fucking happens so what are so afraid of?