I’ve had several conversations/arguments recently with my brother making clear my system of values and my hatred for the wealthy. He is nearly diametrically opposed on all accounts and often makes light of their actions. He goes so far as to say that poor people and people in need of social services should have to figure things out for themselves. He often defends Elon Musk and champions him for being self made.
He is getting married in a foreign country soon and I have been able to put aside our differences and have been planning on going
…up until yesterday that is. I asked him of his thoughts on Musk’s seig heil maneuver and he sent a right wing meme of democratic leaders caught mid wave, saying that “they did it first”. He continued to be avoidant and didn’t respond to me calling it a strawman.
In this moment it feels necessary to cancel my plans to send a message that this is not ok. Am I the (or an) asshole for not going to his wedding because of this?
I would only not attend if it’s a financial burden. Don’t try to send a message. It won’t be heard. Simply assess if it is no longer worth your time and effort and let him know you aren’t interested in upending your life on his behalf.
If you’ve got the money and it isn’t a big deal to take a nice vacation, still attend the wedding. After the honeymoon, let him know you’re done with his ass.
Aside: I’m presently evaluating whether my mother and I will maintain a relationship. I’m extremely angry with her for voting this way yet again and I have concluded (based on the day-one exec orders) that she is partially a bad person because of her politics. I still love her, but I’ve had enough. If you’re going to hurt the world with your vote, I may not continue having you in my life.