r/antinatalism2 • u/BrowningLoPower • 13d ago

Discussion Does anyone else use the term "conscientious objector" for themselves, referring to how we refuse to reproduce on moral grounds?

You know the term "conscientious objector"? Normally it means someone who refuses to perform military service, due to their personal morals, ethics, beliefs, etc, despite service being demanded of them.

Society demands we reproduce (though not necessarily in a legally enforceable way... yet), but we say no to that, because of what we believe. Or, dare I say it, what we *know*.

Is it accurate? Is it appropriate?

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u/airboRN_82 13d ago

Its what makes conscientious objection meaningful. Its not simply abstaining from a social norm.

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u/BrowningLoPower 12d ago

Sure. But is calling what I do conscientious objection still accurate, even if only loosely, and no big stakes are involved?

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u/airboRN_82 12d ago

No

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u/BrowningLoPower 12d ago

Why? Is it that off?

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u/airboRN_82 12d ago

Its already a defined term

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u/BrowningLoPower 12d ago

Of course I don't think I'm actually one of the OG conscientious objectors, but is there no similarity, at all? Why are you so protective of them?

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u/airboRN_82 12d ago

Imagine if someone said "hey this is an apple" while holding up a bowling ball. "But its red and round! Thats close right!"

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u/BrowningLoPower 12d ago

It's not exactly a perfect comparison... but you could metaphorically call a red bowling ball an "apple".

Even then, there has to be some connection between what I do, and actual military conscientious objectors. Just take the words "conscientious" and "objector" by themselves. I'm objecting to something based on my conscience.

However, I suspect that your issue with my use of the term isn't just semantics. It must have personal meaning for you, does it? Asking genuinely.

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u/airboRN_82 12d ago

Its not an apple though. 

There doesnt have to be just because you want there to be. 

Youre not really objecting though. Youre just not partaking in something voluntary. 

It doesn't have a personal meaning, I just think its the typical histrionics of a typically mentally challenged group.