I completely agree with you. My theory is that there are a whole lot of Americans for whom the public education system failed horribly in their attempt to teach civics.
Oh, and I’m sure racism and sexism are also playing a meaningful role.
Those are all factors, and brainwashing is also a problem. But beyond that, Trumpism is to a certain extent the logical conclusion of the American culture. He represents a perverted yet unabashed and clear representation of the American Dream - at least the illusion of Trump does.
The me-first thinking, the worship of capitalism, the shameless revelry in gaudy displays of tasteless wealth - it’s all there. It’s completely unsurprising to me that someone like him would appeal to a lot of Americans. There are a lot of people who idolise and wish they themselves could be like the image he projects.
Isn’t that the tough bit about American Exceptionalism? Americans can’t ALL be exceptional (by definition) and the messaging about how a rising tide lifts all boats simply doesn’t translate to most people.
Tbf, Americans tend to be more than happy to work together (in short bursts) during moments of national crisis, but when everything is moving along normally policy debates become unnecessarily contentious.
I completely agree with you. My theory is that there are a whole lot of Americans for whom the public education system failed horribly in their attempt to teach civics.
Oh, and I’m sure racism and sexism are also playing a meaningful role.
Those are all factors, and brainwashing is also a problem. But beyond that, Trumpism is to a certain extent the logical conclusion of the American culture. He represents a perverted yet unabashed and clear representation of the American Dream - at least the illusion of Trump does.
The me-first thinking, the worship of capitalism, the shameless revelry in gaudy displays of tasteless wealth - it’s all there. It’s completely unsurprising to me that someone like him would appeal to a lot of Americans. There are a lot of people who idolise and wish they themselves could be like the image he projects.
Isn’t that the tough bit about American Exceptionalism? Americans can’t ALL be exceptional (by definition) and the messaging about how a rising tide lifts all boats simply doesn’t translate to most people.
Tbf, Americans tend to be more than happy to work together (in short bursts) during moments of national crisis, but when everything is moving along normally policy debates become unnecessarily contentious.