The Motivation: A ‘Point’ in Every Post.
I recently came across a post on X.com that was reposted a few times. The post said. ‘This is a Pointless Tweet.’
It left me thinking nothing lacks a point, especially in social media.
When you post something, there's always a point to it. What motivated the user to post it in the first place? What message (if any) were they hoping to convey, what does it say about them and their beliefs, and what responses were they hoping to get, and from whom?
Whether there was a hidden message within the post or the mere presence of the ‘full stop’ at the end was the ‘point’, it made me reflect on the concept of value in online discourse. What makes one post more valuable than another? Each post carries an impact, a point, and a message.
Bitcoiners, like myself, are active participants in social media. Each participant, from seasoned 'maxis' to newcomers, contributes to the collective narrative through their posts. Every post sends a message, waiting to be interpreted by those who engage with it. If I took a passive role and only ever read posts, I would not be contributing to the collective narrative; however, if I did, I'm doing so to engage in the narratives, expand the conversation, change options, and I do so knowing that I will face kickbacks and a stir up a variety of reactions and responses.
But what motivates us to engage with one post and not another? It's a question that motivated me to post ‘The Matrix’ question.
The Matrix in Bitcoin Culture
‘The Matrix’ features heavily in the Bitcoin culture.
I also see many self-identified Bitcoiners with strong views regarding social structures, social norms and structures, such as gender, sexual preferences, race, religion and human rights.
With that, I posted a curious question:
‘The Matrix plays a large part within the Bitcoin community. I'm wondering how the transphobic Bitcoiners reconcile with the fact that Two trans women created the Matrix?’ See the The X Post.
What unfolded exposed what I had already suspected: a range of responses, each revealing something about the individuals behind them. Some responses inadvertently laid bare the responders' transphobia, while others started other conversations which triggered other discussions and reactions.
From it all, a question came to mind:
How do people perceive Bitcoin and society, and how do these perceptions shape their interactions within the digital space?
In social media, ideas collide, and debates unfold; we find ourselves bound up in narratives, ideologies, and the platform's algorithms.
It's a space where ‘Bitcoiners’ interact and discuss Bitcoin. A space that ironically intersects with the symbolic world of ‘The Matrix.’
These interactions shape our understanding of Bitcoin and reflect our societal challenges.
The following are some thoughts I’ve had about the typical responses, comments and reactions to my post that I wanted to share.
Drawing Conclusions from Open Questions
The assumptions made from an open question reveal as much about the responders as they do about the questioner. When someone reads a post, they read it through their reality and biases and make assumptions about my stance and the motivation behind the question, and these assumptions motivate and shape their responses.
The ‘Transphobic’ Paradox
Some of the responses revealed that because the Wachowskis were ‘men’ when they created The Matrix, the fact that they are now trans women is ‘irrelevant’, inadvertently exposing a form of transphobia. The tension between acknowledging identity and diminishing it lays bare a lack of societal acceptance of transgender individuals and their contributions beyond their gender journey.
Understanding Transphobia
What is ‘Transphobia’. Some responses (ignorantly) conflate it with fear of transgender individuals, but it's worth clarifying that transphobia is prejudice, discrimination, and an aversion to transgender people. With that said, it is clear that many people are ‘transphobic’.
The Bitcoin ‘Community’ Conundrum
One of the intriguing responses challenged the existence of a Bitcoin community despite its participants' active social media presence and engagement with other Bitcoin-related posts and profiles.
This perspective reveals the complexities of online communities, especially within the decentralised realm of Bitcoin. While some may view Bitcoin as a collection of independent individuals, each pursuing their financial sovereignty, the presence of self-proclaimed "Bitcoin maxis" and the formation of digital bonds on platforms like X.com and NOSTR, suggest the emergence of a community, albeit one shaped by unique principles.
This paradox highlights the conflict between individualism and collective identity within the digital space, where participants simultaneously embrace their independence and communal ties.
When ‘No One Cares’ Cares
The irony of the "no one cares" comments is an outright denial that paradoxically validates its existence. Each comment, even those that dismiss the topic, contributes to the visibility and engagement metrics of the post. This paradox underscores the influence of engagement in the digital realm and reinforces the questions around the ‘This is a pointless post.’ post.
The Algorithmic Maze
In all this, there is the algorithmic maze, where unseen forces guide our online experiences. This dynamic, reminiscent of 'The Matrix,' raises essential questions. Are Bitcoiners unknowingly trapped in their own digital 'Matrix,' where algorithms shape our beliefs, interactions, and discourse, all to keep us trapped in The Matrix we have claimed to have escaped?
There is More Than One True Matrix
'The Matrix' is not just an allegory for the Bitcoin community; it's a narrative with diverse interpretations. It symbolises transcendence, awakening from a trance-like existence. This invites us to contemplate how stories resonate with diverse beliefs and cultures and emphasises the importance of critical thinking.
There is no fundamental truth in this world; there are many interconnected messages and perspectives to everything we say and do. Something many don’t want to accept. Your reality is not my reality, and nothing will ever change that fact; why not take it and embrace information with neutral interest and intrigue, and see it as an opportunity to expand your perspectives and understanding of your own lived experience?
The Path Ahead
This reflection on Bitcoin, 'The Matrix,' algorithms, and the quest for truth calls us to action. It urges us to ‘trans-cend’ the confines of algorithmic suggestions, fostering a deeper understanding and a more profound sense of individuality and community.
The digital terrain is as much about ideas as it is about algorithms. By embracing diverse perspectives and engaging in thoughtful discourse, we can navigate the digital 'Matrix' while remaining true to the ideals of Bitcoin: decentralisation, inclusion, and financial revolution. In our journey of ideas, let's remember that genuine progress arises from understanding, not dismissal. It's time to break free from the algorithmic chains and chart a course toward a more enlightened, diverse, and united future, whether that’s alone or together.
Final Thought: Embracing Transformation
I can never know the experiences and challenges trans people face in their transformative journeys and I don’t want to undermine or draw parallels to their experiences without first acknowledging this distinction.
But is Bitcoin an opportunity for transformation? As Bitcoiners, we are driven by a profound desire to transform the current financial structures, transcending the limitations of fiat money and working towards a better world.
The act of transformation, whether in the realm of Bitcoin or one's own identity. It involves challenging norms, questioning established systems, and seeking a path towards a more liberated existence.
The Matrix Origins
Despite all this, it turns out that the story of ‘The Matrix’ originated from Sophia Stewart, a black woman. This revelation reframes the conversation, inviting us to ponder a parallel question: ‘I wonder how the racist Bitcoiners can reconcile with the fact that 'The Matrix' was written by a black woman?’