From wikipedia, the Overton window is a political theory that describes as a narrow "window" the range of ideas the public will accept.

An idea will move from "unthinkable" to "policy" along a certain trajectory:

  1. Unthinkable

  2. Radical

  3. Acceptable

  4. Sensible

  5. Popular

  6. Policy

For example, many of the advances achieved by feminism such as women's suffrage, reproductive rights, and employment opportunities in masculine industries were at some point in the "unthinkable" category and are now firm political policy and are also popular with the public at large.

In addition things like fat acceptance, slut acceptance, banning anti-feminist speech and even thought (ban bossy campaign, banning a few PUA books, medicating boys in school for acting like boys, men supplicating to women in media) are gaining traction and are no longer "unthinkable."

The way something moves from "unthinkable" to "radical" is through initiating any kind of discussion on the topic, even if the discussion is negative. Moving from "radical" involves painting previously negative concepts in a grey light, for example "sluts are people too" or "I've made mistakes but now I'm looking for something deeper."

To move higher up the hierarchy, begin to point out positive examples in previously grey areas. "This particular slut is brave because she is a mother" or "Here's a fat woman who was also a scientist."

Next up it's only logical to shame or otherwise coerce people into accepting these new concepts. "Marry that single mom" or "ignore your own standards in favor of being nice" becomes normal. Furthermore, policy is enacted to enforce these new ideas, like having to pay child support when getting cuckolded or the new push to have 'fat-ism' be legally recognized to be on par with racism.

So where does that leave us at TRP?

The good news is that our "fringe group of closeted gay neckbeards living in mothers basements who can't get any" is now gaining traction, has more subscribers than r/feminism, and our ideas are always positively perceived whenever "TRP language" isn't blatantly present.

The other good news is that third wave feminist ideas can be fought and even pushed back.

To avoid going from unthinkable to radical, don't talk about the concepts, not even in a negative light.

To avoid going from radical to acceptable or higher, don't accept that any grey areas exist within these concepts.

In the end TRP is not an ideology, but a series of observations which the members can use to their advantage. Understand how the Overton window works and use it to yours.