Reality is messy. And it's hard. Performative hate is easy.
I read a good article somewhere recently that helped explain the attraction of conspiracy theories (I wish I could put my finger on it, but I can't). In short, conspiracy theories may seem arcane and complex to us, but they actually offer a simpler internally consistent way to see the world (mind you, internal consistency doesn't mean they have to match very much of what we might call "reality"). People who struggle with the real world find comfort in a simple world with clear cut issues, villians and heroes, the same way I find comfort in watching old cartoons, I guess.
I think the same "simplification" argument applies here.
But doesn't the conspiracy theory crash and burn against the reality of "they want to cut my mother's social security, which is the major part of her budget. Who is going to take care of her?"
Only if someone makes sure people know what they are trying to do... otherwise, they're just protecting the "real Americans" from the CRT-spouting Marxist liberals.
I doubt GOP plans to cut Social Security get a lot of air time on Newsmax.
> A (part of the) electorate that is deeply invested in performance....
What is the incentive for voters to be disconnected from reality?
Reality is messy. And it's hard. Performative hate is easy.
I read a good article somewhere recently that helped explain the attraction of conspiracy theories (I wish I could put my finger on it, but I can't). In short, conspiracy theories may seem arcane and complex to us, but they actually offer a simpler internally consistent way to see the world (mind you, internal consistency doesn't mean they have to match very much of what we might call "reality"). People who struggle with the real world find comfort in a simple world with clear cut issues, villians and heroes, the same way I find comfort in watching old cartoons, I guess.
I think the same "simplification" argument applies here.
But doesn't the conspiracy theory crash and burn against the reality of "they want to cut my mother's social security, which is the major part of her budget. Who is going to take care of her?"
Only if someone makes sure people know what they are trying to do... otherwise, they're just protecting the "real Americans" from the CRT-spouting Marxist liberals.
I doubt GOP plans to cut Social Security get a lot of air time on Newsmax.