An Apology to the Neurodivergent Community

Spooky has rightfully criticized me for utilizing obscene and ableist language in my article “Libertarianism vs Psychopathic Dumbfuckery.” I am deeply, deeply sorry to the neurodivergent community for the crass, thoughtless, and harmful language that I used. I’ve caused harm to people who are already marginalized in society, and there are no excuses for that. 

My use of obscene and ableist language is worthy of condemnation in-and-of-itself, but Spooky is also correct to point out how my lapse in judgment is even more vicious in that I explicitly tried to connect the use of this language to grifters like Rand Paul. The attempted clarification late in the article was, indeed, insufficient, given that I shouldn’t have used this type of language to start; it also never crossed my mind that those diagnosed with psychopathy and related antisocial personality disorders are so frequently the targets of violence. Again, that is bad in-and-of-itself, but given that my argument was an attempt to say that libertarianism has nothing to do with disregarding the interests and concerns of others, the fact that I didn’t apply myself to the same standard is disgusting. 

So, again, to the neurodivergent community: I am deeply, deeply sorry for my utter carelessness and how my actions perpetuated the marginalization that you all already suffer from. I should’ve known better; I should’ve realized that attempting to score rhetoric points was a problematic strategy to begin with, but especially so if it further marginalizes people and robs them of their dignity. Again, I am deeply sorry. 

I am further sorry that this apology took so long to come out. 

I would also like to apologize to C4SS as a whole for putting them in such an awkward spot. The responsibility for this article and the pain it has caused rests with me and my decision to write it, but my actions impact C4SS more broadly as well. Again, I should’ve known better and should have done many, many things differently. 

Spooky has stated that the article will remain on the site for context and record keeping, which is understandable. I leave that to the discretion of the coordinators and the members of the neurodivergent community. If there is anything I can do to rectify this situation, please let me know: I recognize that words are just that and have to be followed with concrete actions, beyond the promise to ensure that I’m never carelessly leaving people’s welfare and dignity out of my actions. 

Again, I’m sorry to everyone.   

The Center for a Stateless Society (www.c4ss.org) is a media center working to build awareness of the market anarchist alternative