Why do Trump supporters continue to downplay and deny the severity of COVID-19?
What exactly is wrong them? 🤔
36-40, M
This page is a permanent link to the reply below and its nested replies. See all post replies »
Ynotisay · M
Big generalizations but I think there's a few things at play.
Science, data and smart people are a threat and they've been trained to be distrustful. It's why condemning the 'Liberal Elite' is such a big thing. Belief carries far more weight than facts for some. It's also easier to access.
I also think there's an inherent selfishness in some. This whole thing is about doing what's right for others. They just don't see the world that way.
But ultimately I think a lot of people have been fed a steady diet of "Us vs. Them." They're made to feel persecuted. The result is that they're prone to acting against their own best interest and being easily misled by leaders willing to take advantage of it. They get strength from group-think because it masks insecurity and fear. It's been Trump's calling card since Day One. Ironically, before he ran he represented everything the "real American patriots" claimed to hate. He wouldn't have crossed the street to spit on any of his supporters a few years ago. Still wouldn't. But he pretends he cares. And because he's fed them faux-persecution, and a platform to be angry and hateful towards what they falsely perceive as threats, he can manipulate them in any way he wants.
The biggest mind-fuck I've seen in my life.
Science, data and smart people are a threat and they've been trained to be distrustful. It's why condemning the 'Liberal Elite' is such a big thing. Belief carries far more weight than facts for some. It's also easier to access.
I also think there's an inherent selfishness in some. This whole thing is about doing what's right for others. They just don't see the world that way.
But ultimately I think a lot of people have been fed a steady diet of "Us vs. Them." They're made to feel persecuted. The result is that they're prone to acting against their own best interest and being easily misled by leaders willing to take advantage of it. They get strength from group-think because it masks insecurity and fear. It's been Trump's calling card since Day One. Ironically, before he ran he represented everything the "real American patriots" claimed to hate. He wouldn't have crossed the street to spit on any of his supporters a few years ago. Still wouldn't. But he pretends he cares. And because he's fed them faux-persecution, and a platform to be angry and hateful towards what they falsely perceive as threats, he can manipulate them in any way he wants.
The biggest mind-fuck I've seen in my life.