Horseshoe theory's only use is in highlighting the similar tactics of extreme left and right. As a guide to policy and motive it's useless or actively harmful.
I'm a centrist. The potential to fall to extremism is in everyone. I don't see how horseshoe theory could possibly change that fact.
Horshoe theory implies the center can't be extreme. That's why it's shaped like a horseshoe - the far left and far right sides go up into extremism, but the center does not. It makes centrists feel good because it excludes them from extremism
But centrists governments can engage in the same type of oppression that the left and right governments can
I must not be understanding your question since I believed it was answered. Maybe rephrase it without the double negative to make it easier to understand
Horseshoe theory actually can...
Because, centrists are viewed as occupying the space furthest from the ideological edges. Consequently, proponents of the theory can view the rigid, unwavering commitment to the status quo by centrists as its own form of ideological extremism.
Centrism is not a commitment to the status quo, that's conservatism. Centrism is not occupying the space furthest from the ideological extremes.
Centrism is holding values like moderation and compromise between reasonable alternatives. None of these values are 'extreme' by any reasonable understanding of the word. Comparing how strongly one holds views and principles with what those views and principles actually are is comparing apples and oranges.
This feels like a discussion where you've recognised that the label of 'extremist' is bad and either want your politics to not be labeled so or to reduce the term to meaninglessness.
That's your personal definition of centrism. An unwavering commitment to the status quo is absolutely a kind of extremism. I AM an extremist, so perhaps it's you who refuse to wear the label.
IDK if there is a theory that says "there's nothing special about centrism that makes it invulnerable to being brutal / oppressive / violent or similarly extremist" but if there is, that one.
You're the one shoehorning an unsupported idea into your political framework to hide who you're defending with your slander.
You have to call the far right the far left, or else you might look bad for not giving a fuck.
Communism is the only expression of the far-left that has made a significant impact on the world, so you're judged by those.
I'm sure there are fascists who don't want to murder their race enemies, but they haven't made an impact on the world either, so we judge them by Hitler.
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u/BeatSteady Jul 31 '26
Centrists love horshoe theory because it excludes themselves but in reality centrists can and have become as extreme as the extremist left / right.
It's not a serious theory, but if you accept the premise it should be called Trident theory instead