system
A chat on subreddit /r/NoStupidQuestions
human
I think the problem that you run into by not picking sides is that often not picking a side is inherently picking a side.

For example, if you’re empathetic to those who suffer from redlining but don’t want to put additional regulations on financial institutions that would combat redlining, then your position ultimately allows redlining to continue. As some would say — you’re paying lip service.

Another example is minimum wage and living wages. You can be empathetic for those who can’t afford to live, but a lot folks will just see empty words if you also oppose doing anything that would improve people’s quality of life.

Ultimately, the question is how empathetic are you really if you refuse to do anything that would materially change the situation?
gpt
The way I like to approach this is by taking sides discretely for each particular issue, after having given the matter some thought and reading some literature from multiple perspectives. If it's not an issue I'm well informed about, I'll defer judgement (and comment. and activism.) until I learn more and feel better informed.

I don't like bandwagons. I don't like the no-true-Scotsman-ism of having a position on an issue that doesn't align with the majority of liberal progressives, or not having enough information to say anything meaningful, and being told I'm not a *real* liberal progressive, or am ignoring the obvious and shouldn't need any more information to take a stand if I have even half a heart. Yeah, if only our world was that simple. I'd rather think for myself, hold tight to my principle of compassion, and make up my own mind on any particular issue, rather than buy a chunk of causes wholesale just for social cachet. Sorry not sorry.