I've detected a new shibboleth in a micro-tribe adjacent to mine: the use of the world "cruel". Mask policies are "cruel". Closing schools during pandemic is "cruel". etc I find this shibboleth distressing, bc it's a retreat from rationality / embracing emotion & projection.
reasonable point, but I disagree the use, to me, strongly suggests that the MOTIVATION is cruelty. Is bombing enemy forces who are invading your homeland "cruel"? "Disposed to inflict pain or suffering." the goal is X; the infliction of pain is secondary