Venkatesh Rao@vgr·Jul 4, 2015The gradual escalation in scale and theatricality of ISIS executions seems like a sign of growing weakness. Desensitizing the audience.11
𐤍𐤕𐤍@topynate·Jul 4, 2015Replying to @vgr@vgr Not a happy thought, but on a historical scale, ISIS are still rank amateurs at torturous and spectacular executions (Rome, Ming...).1
Venkatesh Rao@vgr·Jul 4, 2015Replying to @topynate@topynate Not when you add in their use of social media for spooky influence at a distance1
𐤍𐤕𐤍@topynate·Jul 4, 2015Replying to @vgr@vgr What do you think the Assyrians made all those carvings and official descriptions of flaying their enemies for?11
𐤍𐤕𐤍@topynate·Jul 4, 2015Replying to @topynate@vgr More generally, why do we know about ancient atrocities in such detail? Because those who committed them were excellent publicists.1
Venkatesh Rao@vgrReplying to @topynate@topynate they lacked the tech to influence on other side of planet within hours. Historical comparison is reductive, undervalues new bits11:20 PM · Jul 4, 2015