The equation is: Victimization (my post from two days ago) + Sadopopulism = cruelty
This is how we get to the kind of cruelty we see at the border.
Yale professor explains how such cruelty is possible. We start with the anxiety and anger created when the dominant culture (white Christians) feels victimized by encroaching equality.
Then the would-be oligarchs (Trump & pals) create policies to make things worse for those who see themselves as victims.
Trump first says, “I feel your pain.” He then takes deliberate steps to make their pain worse: Tax cuts for the rich, trade wars, eliminating health care, etc.
If the ACA is struck down, 21 million Americans can lose health insurance.
This will cause an abundance of suffering. Trump & pals then channel all that suffering into anger at immigrants, minorities, and the Democrats who champion their rights.
Trump tells his followers that he’s the warrior protecting them from minorities who are displacing them, and from beggars at the gates who want to take what they have.
The myth of scarcity is told by billionaires enriching themselves at the expense of the people.
For a more in-depth explanation of the history and concept of sadopopulism as coined and explained by Timothy Snyder, click here.
Like all myths, the “scarcity / immigrants are the problem” myth isn’t true—but it’s a good story. This person either believes the myth or is trying to spread the myth:
In fact, immigrants and minorities have helped build America and make it strong. This is what Trump does well: He invents good stories. He creates an alternate reality that appeals to his followers. His stories are easy to spread, hide the truth, and keep people confused.
Destroying democracy is so much easier than preserving it. You just have to get everyone fighting, and then keep the fighters fighting.
Remember: The way to destroy democracy is get everyone fighting. The angrier people get, and the more polarized the society, the more people are willing to tolerate “hardball tactics” from their own side.
Look at how Trump creates a cycle of rage and fighting:
💠Trump manipulates those who feel victimized, which allows him to create cruel policies;
💠The cruel policies enrage the liberals;
💠Liberal rage pleases Trump supporters.
As the fighters get angrier, they resort to “hardball” tactics, which batters and wears down democratic institutions.
Recall that a lot of people don’t want democracy because they don’t want equality. They want to be able do what they want & grab what they want & take what they want (they call it “personal liberty”). They are doing all they can to exacerbate the polarization as a way to impose democracy.
For people who underestimate Trump, consider how hard it is to break the cycle of rage, anger, and escalating polarization.
