Quote (NetflixAdaptationWidow @ Oct 19 2022 05:04pm)
I've recently heard the term "thought terminating cliche". They are easiest to identify in religious circles. Things like "well God works in mysterious ways". They aren't meant to answer an argument or objection, but a way to signal that it's time to stop thinking for those with the indefensible position.
The right has developed way more of these than are normal. Terms like "deep state" are among them. They aren't meant to actually answer the question of who is right or wrong or who is actually doing something. It's just "the deep state did this" and that's where the thought stops.
Comes in line with the "epistemic closure" thing. They've developed a not-so-complex web of signals that signal to those following the argument that it's time to stop thinking.
I am not defending the sort of behaviors that you describe, however not all on the right are religious/Christian. I am quite right leaning and conservative, however I am agnostic, in fact, I am very close to atheist.