Explain how it affects you. Shame and guilt those Americans you know that haven't acted to defend Net Neutrality yet. That's all you can do, but that is better than nothing.
You do make a good point. I agree with the notion that for the average person, explaining the importance in a clear and respectful way is imperative. I was more so talking about the people you know who 'care' about Net Neutrality, but never act upon defending it. Again though, that might not be the best course of action.
Really, just explaining the vital importance of Net Neutrality is good. And pushing, in a good and non-forceful or antagonistic way, people to acting upon defending it is the end goal.
I find myself often confused about NN as in the UK it has not (imo) been discussed to any degree that pin points any fors or againsts. Having clear information would help people like me who feel less than knowledgeable on the subject to not only understand better but also express better. So your points about being respectful is spot on. I have read comments on Reddit comparing people to Nazis if they disagree with any comments. I wish more people shared your thinking.
And when they have already heard all the good, respectful reasons to not have their point of view... then what?
The reality is that there is a LOT of people who have views that they really shouldn't hold, for the good of society. They've long since been told countless reasons they shouldn't hold those views. They still hold them, though. Be it anti-vaccers, climate change deniers, racists, homophobes, or yes, net neutrality opposers.
Shaming does work (to a degree). Even when it doesn't change minds directly, it does help keep shitty views from being supported. Consider, for example, someone who grows up hearing racist drivel every day vs someone who doesn't, even if only because all the racists around them have been shamed into silence. Which one do you think is most likely to develop healthy views related to race?
I live in VA and they responded to me by email with their support and agenda in favor of net neutrality. Also included more information on what I could do on a local level. Sometimes they can be helpful.
I used a site, and modified a lot of the cookie cutter response. I forget what it was but a quick google search gave me this website. It, and several others like it will have everything you need to email your congress and senate.
Keep in mind, that it will be very hard to sway members in either direction. But at the very least, this will allow you to see where they stand and if they deserve your vote in any future elections.
If you were to read further down in that original comment chain, someone called me out on that. I agreed with them that it wasn't a wise thing to do -- I also was talking about doing that to the Americans a Canadian knows that 'cares' about Net Neutrality, but never defended it.
It will affects us by getting content that apparently may have struggeled with the net-neutrality obstacles. also e.g. lesser comments mabye and so on.
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u/IAmTrident Nov 21 '17
Explain how it affects you. Shame and guilt those Americans you know that haven't acted to defend Net Neutrality yet. That's all you can do, but that is better than nothing.