They won, didn’t they?
Medium.com’s Betsy Chasse, in her article Why are MAGA folks still so mad?, asks the same question I did during Donald Trump’s first term as president.
“Shouldn’t they be kicking back, sipping some cheap beer, and enjoying the victory lap?,” she quips. “But no, they’re still fuming, veins popping, yelling at the sky like it personally offended them.”
We saw this in 2016, didn’t we? Donald Trump won the presidency and entered the White House with a Republican-controlled Congress, a booming economy, and crime at 1950s lows. Yet, MAGA followers spent his entire first term acting like the Grinch who stole Christmas.
Anger defines them.
Consider these two compelling reasons why MAGA supporters often seem perpetually angry. First, they are aware that the world will never revert to the past they idealize. Second, there’s a tendency towards self-pity that fuels their discontent. For now, I’ll focus on the first reason. The second will be highlighted in my Part II article.
They call liberals “snowflakes,” but they’re the ones who appear to be in a constant state of outrage over every trivial matter, almost as if being offended is their primary pursuit. God forbid if there’s a movie with a Black Mrs. Santa. “HOW DARE THOSE WOKE PRODUCERS MAKE MRS. SANTA BLACK! YOU WOULD HAVE NEVER SEEN THAT IN THE 1950S. I’M PISSED!”
Over a movie? How many MAGA followers had a heart attack over that?
Yes, I’m referring to Fatman (2020).
By the way, woke is their favorite word but it’s not the only one that riles them. If you want to witness a strong reaction from a MAGA supporter, just say one of these three words – Diversity, Equity, Inclusion. Those words – any one of them – are sure to get a quick rise from the MAGA faithless… er… faithful.
Credit must be given to Trump for his strategic acumen in 2015. He skillfully connected with a deep-seated unease about changing perspectives on equality, diversity, and inclusion, as well as a pervasive sense of self-pity and entitlement that had been simmering in American society for decades.
At the heart of all that shouting is a deep-seated fear—a fear that their preferred way of life is slipping away, and that no one, not even their savior Trump, can alter this course. It’s important to understand that America is not reverting to the 1950s, 1920s, or 1850s. Women and Black individuals will not return to being bullied, subservient, second-class citizens, and the LGBTQ+ community will not be forced back into hiding.
Embracing progress is essential for a more inclusive future where everyone can thrive equally. And, regardless of whether they’re willing to admit it, MAGA fully gets it. (And that’s part of why they will remain angry).
“But America was so dominant in the 1950s. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to return to those times?”
We must recognize that the world has changed significantly since the 1950s. Back then, America stood out as a leader in many areas, largely because other nations were recovering from the devastation of TWO WORLD WARS or were still developing. Today, however, global dynamics have shifted dramatically. Many countries, due to enhanced technology and the absence of world wars, have made remarkable progress and are now strong competitors on the world stage.
For America to relive its 1950s dominance, it would require another world war, where competing nations were blasted to oblivion while the United States remained untouched. This is one reason why being a White man with just a high school diploma no longer assures success in today’s world. With numerous nations now industrialized and advanced, the world has become smaller and the global landscape is significantly more competitive than it was back in the 1950s.
Message to MAGA: Embracing further education and skills development is essential to thrive in this modern environment.
In today’s dynamic world, simply being a White male is no longer the golden ticket to success it might have been in the 1950s. Now, it’s all about honing your skills and showcasing your talents! The landscape has changed dramatically, demanding that everyone rise to the occasion with passion and determination. It’s an exciting era where merit and ability truly shine!
The 1950s, 1920s, and 1860s are long gone, and it’s important to embrace the present. MAGA folks, if you have a desire to romanticize the past – and you know you do – watch classics like Leave It to Beaver or Gone With the Wind. They offer a glimpse into those eras – Eras you’ll never see (again).
Watching television classics is as close an experience as you’ll ever get to the 1950s or 1860s, MAGA fans.
“Until they confront and release this fear (of change and progress) the anger will persist. You can’t relax a clenched fist without first addressing the trembling hand behind it,” Medium.com’s Chasse wrote.
Keep an eye out for Part II – Why is MAGA still angry?
And by the way, congratulations on (cough, cough) Trump’s big win!