[dvanduzer]

Barstool is referenced more than once in the piece, but not directly by name. Deadspin did not fail, it was murdered.

And I know you aren't saying it directly, but this really shouldn't be about The Left and The Right. The problem is about punching up versus punching down.

[meowface]

Those are largely one and the same in the current culture, though. "Progressive rude journalists" like Gawker's use "punching up" and "we're rude only to those who deserve it" as an excuse and shield for shitty epistemology, and as a justification for refusing civil engagement with those they disagree with. It's who they deem to be "up", and their judgment is dictated by their personal and political biases.

"Punching up" in general is a concept unique to modern progressive philosophy, as well. I don't believe that's a concept for the right. I understand the thought behind it, but I think it's a very dangerous and slippery slope.

The fuzzy "up" concept for the modern left is kind of the equivalent of the fuzzy "degenerate" concept for the modern right. They're just labels you use to tar people you disagree with or dislike, and then you use the label as shorthand to merit any kind of judgmental or malicious behavior towards that group.

Also, even when one does agree with their "upness" assessment, it doesn't necessarily have any relation to the nature or deservedness of the criticism. I agree billionaires are powerful, but you can still write hit pieces against billionaires which misrepresent their words and positions, or imply hidden intentions behind their words or actions with no credible evidence.

[bambax]

> Barstool is referenced more than once in the piece

Yes, it's said to be part of the "anti-PC press": The anti-P.C. press certainly delights in titillating its audience, but it always, unfailingly, endorses a completely servile relationship to authority.

As you say, the actual point of the article isn't even about rudeness, it's about standing up to power, or not.

[Hitton]

It's not even about standing up to power, it's about standing up to author's ideological enemies.