I never realized there was a term to describe the low-effort phrases that people often use to get other people to shut up.
A thought-terminating cliché (also known as a semantic stop-sign, a thought-stopper, bumper sticker logic, or cliché thinking) is a form of loaded language—often passing as folk wisdom—intended to end an argument and quell cognitive dissonance with a cliché rather than a point.[1][2] Some such clichés are not inherently terminating, and only becomes so when used to intentionally dismiss, dissent, or justify fallacies.[3]
The term was popularized by Robert Jay Lifton in his 1961 book Thought Reform and the Psychology of Totalism, who referred to the use of the cliché, along with “loading the language”, as “the language of non-thought”.[4]
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Let’s not forget the grand daddy of them all: The Lord works in mysterious ways.
Somewhat apropos I recommend watching Adam Curtis’ take on what he calls Oh Dearism:
It’s God’s fault unless the devil did it. Those idiots have an excuse for literally everything.
The Wheel weaves as the Wheel wills.
…And then it got worse.
(said in a thick Russian accent)
“Let people enjoy things.” – purports that criticisms to consumable media are attempts to prevent consumers from enjoying said media.
Yes and no. For example I’ve seen this response to the argument “new music is bad”. It’s a valid response to “I think something is bad, why does anyone enjoy it?”
Sure, but that’s a red herring. The main thing is that people can use the phrase differently, to squash criticism.
“This fake AI video being consumed by male teens is giving the wrong message that women are objects!”
“Ugh. Can’t you just let people enjoy things, man!!!”
I’ve usually seen it in response to a criticism of the people for enjoying the thing
FAFO.
…win stupid prizes.
Ain’t no fixin stupid.
They don’t think it be like it is, but it do.
A current favorite here in the US: Make America Great Again.
can’t terminate thought if you didn’t have it
I don’t understand what you mean, but it sounds like you hate 'merica!
like that smoked brisket tho
Their slogan should be:
No thought, just parrot what’s taught.
I’ve come across some scientific research that may give us some hope for them.
“The brain is an evolutionary marvel. […] But what of all the organisms that lack this precious organ?”
There was some conservative thing, I don’t remember who or what said it, but “even when I’m wrong, at least I’m right.” (As in right wing in case it isn’t clear.)
Incel is also another TTC
So say we all.
Bless your heart.
Hmm, well I’ll be.
tl;dr
yup.
👍
Meh
Excellent example.
I feel like there are some opposites to this, but a lot of them make people likely to get defensive XD
