@aral
While that's certainly a valid definition, even if we accept that definition I wouldn't say it describes centralized systems since there are no colonies, just a single uniform system. A better analogy might be libertarianism vs dictatorship.

@freemo @aral While colonialism is, by definition, dictatorial, so is right libertarianism. There we have some folks who baulk at the tyranny of rule by democratically-elected governments while salivating for the day they will rule as billionaire CEO-kings. Right libertarianism is colonial to its core. If anything, it's a far more concentrated form of colonialism, where power is even more tightly wielded than in the government version (not that the two are separate; they have lots in common).

@aral Your confusing caputalism with the right. Conservatism has nothing to do with capitalism and libertarinism has nothing to do with capitalism or the right.

There are plenty of people who prescribe to both of course. But that doesnt mean we should conflate the issues.

Colonialism means that no matter how far you go, the same few people are in charge, and trying to extract yourself from this governance makes you an outcast. It was true for geography, but it still is true for social media for example. Decentralization means that you can actually choose your small-scale governance and still be able to communicate with other similar entities.

@hypolite @aral I disagree, that is not an accurate description of the meaning of colonialism.

Of course a few extremist have tried to twist the definition and have used it that way. But I dont think such people are really worth taking seriously usually (not saying this applies to you, I don't know you).

What is your definition of colonialism then?

@hypolite @aral Same as the dictionary. A group of settlers from a foreign land basically.

You're thinking of colonization. Colonialism is an ideology, not the physical act itself. As such it can describe a wider range of practice and philosophy.

@hypolite @aral Colonialism is an ideology of performing and supporting colonization.

Yes, and its usage expanded to refer to more than geographical colonization. Now, if you don't want to talk about the actual subject using the words as they have been explained to you earlier, I suggest you just move along.

@hypolite @aral Of course, I never claimed it was specific to geographical.

I suggest you not worry about what people wish to discuss and that if you don't like what is being discussed then YOU should move on.