I am often accused of being a troll by whichever group is most offended. I write in the centre ground from a classic-liberal position and as an outside from the US (I'm British).

I'm pro-pluralism but anti-identity politics. I see the breaking down of the left into a serious of arbitrary competing ideologies as an own goal. I think identity-politics in its current format undermines socialism - something that is perpetuating racism whilst purporting to solve it. It goes against MLK's dream to judge people not on the colour of their skin. It does exactly the same thing albeit in a benevolent way and will shepherd in many of the same problems - safe spaces will become the new segregation.

You can read more about my political stance here https://medium.com/lucid-nightmare/what-we-all-lose-when-society-plays-identity-politics-397dcb896d5b

What I'm saying (in a roundabout way) is that trolls don't really think about what they're saying. They're just trying to piss people off. I disagree with the prevailing world view and the way the discussions are being framed. That's not the same thing.

It's very easy to dismiss things you disagree with as 'being a troll' and go to find works that you agree with - but this does society a massive disservice. Only when other question and dissent do readers stand to learn something new. People trapped in their own ideological echo chambers via the algorithm will only further destablise the democratic process.

I don't mind being disagreed withand actively encourage it - as long as it isn't insulting (it often is). Don't mistake my writing style for closed-mindedness, that's a very easy intuitive mistake to make about people who have come to different conclusions to you. Obviously I cannot force you to read my work - but there are plenty of people in your position who read my work exclusively to poke holes in it - and I think that's great :o)

I call them strawbs. https://medium.com/feedium/my-regular-readers-a-tale-of-three-flavours-9e783684d6c9