They definitely aren't china/russo spies or the funnier ideas ive seen folks have. They skew about the same age range and nationality as the rest of Lemmy. Lotsa yanks yaknow? They aren't afraid to show you your own ass if you drop trou around them, and they have the mental acuity to expose every pimple, so you better have a thick skin if you want to speak on something you aren't as informed on as you think you are. I do have one (id like to think) and i got my clock cleaned over there once, had to touch grass for a few days. But i didn't get banned or harassed for it. (Probably because i didn't double down on my opinion) in fact i am still friendly with those same people, even the ones who hurted my feefees.

I think maybe the shock many commenters feel going over there is actually whiplash from the perspective change. From arguing politics from a position of "the left" towards people on "the right" political spectrum.

When you're talking communists as a liberal, you are the right wing. This whiplash is dizzying and difficult, and not at all pleasant. Unless you plan to learn, and go there with the idea that you are going to learn something, it's not going to be a fun expedition. Proselytizing types get mocked and banned.

Reason i say one must learn isnt to say one must convert, there are simply a lot of things we have been told about what communism/capitalism actually are that are simply untrue. In addition, there's a lot of additional historical context those who don't dedicate themselves to the subject just won't know that kinda changes the way one views how we came to be where we are today.

And one doesnt have to believe or agree with the conclusions drawn to gain this insight and perspective, but i feel knowing more is always better than Knowing less. At the very least you may find yourself understanding where they come from, and agree with many points they make.

Ive just read my ramble and i don't know if it is descriptive or helpful at all haha. Lemme just say in closing i think those folks have good heads on their shoulders and I'm quite glad i found them. taking the time to try to understand what they're about was a lesson for me in both political theory and history and i am better for it