How the right claims victimhood.
An article I found interesting:
https://talkingpointsmemo.com/cafe/how-the-right-developed-its-victim-complex
In this opinion piece, Paul Elliott Johnson argues that today’s American right—especially Republicans—has developed an ever-expanding victim complex, where many on the right see themselves as oppressed or besieged by liberalism, media, and cultural change.
Key points from the article:
1. A shift from rugged individualism to grievance politics
Historically, conservatives emphasized self-reliance and strength. But in recent decades, that has morphed into a narrative where they portray various policies and social changes—like healthcare reform or critiques of political leaders—as existential threats to freedom. Former President Donald Trump amplified this by framing criticism and accountability (e.g., impeachment or January 6 investigations) as illegitimate “witch hunts.”
2. Politics of outrage over policy
Johnson notes that modern Republican campaigns often feature fear-driven messaging and grievance-based appeals without substantive policy solutions, which reflects how deeply the victim narrative has taken root.
3. Historical roots of conservative victimhood
The article traces this mindset back decades, arguing it has always existed in fragments but only became mainstream over the last 30 years.
Three key historical phases intensified it:
Cold War era: Conservatives saw themselves as marginalized by a bipartisan Washington consensus and fought for recognition.
Post–Cold War period: With the Soviet Union gone, right-wing political identity looked for new enemies—leading to domestic scapegoats and culture wars.
Post-9/11 & post-2008 era: Traumatic national events like the terrorist attacks, financial crisis, and election of Barack Obama fueled a sense of existential threat and humiliation.
4. Consequences in today’s politics
Johnson connects this enduring victim frame to current right-wing reactions: rejection of movements like #MeToo, panic over social issues, and even the rise in extremist actions by some disaffected individuals.
He suggests that without confronting this culture of grievance, the GOP and the broader political system will continue to struggle with polarization and instability.
https://talkingpointsmemo.com/cafe/how-the-right-developed-its-victim-complex
In this opinion piece, Paul Elliott Johnson argues that today’s American right—especially Republicans—has developed an ever-expanding victim complex, where many on the right see themselves as oppressed or besieged by liberalism, media, and cultural change.
Key points from the article:
1. A shift from rugged individualism to grievance politics
Historically, conservatives emphasized self-reliance and strength. But in recent decades, that has morphed into a narrative where they portray various policies and social changes—like healthcare reform or critiques of political leaders—as existential threats to freedom. Former President Donald Trump amplified this by framing criticism and accountability (e.g., impeachment or January 6 investigations) as illegitimate “witch hunts.”
2. Politics of outrage over policy
Johnson notes that modern Republican campaigns often feature fear-driven messaging and grievance-based appeals without substantive policy solutions, which reflects how deeply the victim narrative has taken root.
3. Historical roots of conservative victimhood
The article traces this mindset back decades, arguing it has always existed in fragments but only became mainstream over the last 30 years.
Three key historical phases intensified it:
Cold War era: Conservatives saw themselves as marginalized by a bipartisan Washington consensus and fought for recognition.
Post–Cold War period: With the Soviet Union gone, right-wing political identity looked for new enemies—leading to domestic scapegoats and culture wars.
Post-9/11 & post-2008 era: Traumatic national events like the terrorist attacks, financial crisis, and election of Barack Obama fueled a sense of existential threat and humiliation.
4. Consequences in today’s politics
Johnson connects this enduring victim frame to current right-wing reactions: rejection of movements like #MeToo, panic over social issues, and even the rise in extremist actions by some disaffected individuals.
He suggests that without confronting this culture of grievance, the GOP and the broader political system will continue to struggle with polarization and instability.
36-40, F
