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Jeff Feldman, MSW, LSW's avatar

This is fantastic. The stuff you've been publishing is great. Thanks for laying bare the underlying mechanism of MAGA bullying.

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Tricia Robbins's avatar

Parts of point three remind of this performance of Kellyanne Conway in the early days of the first Trump administration that had me wondering what just happened - before I began to recognize a pattern:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VSrEEDQgFc8

Thanks for putting things together.

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Humis's avatar

Right on!

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Dylan's avatar

This is your best article yet. I have set off many a MAGA by informing the audience "this guy isn't debating, he's just trying to make me feel dumb". I even had a guy swing on me for saying that about him lol

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SL Jenkins's avatar

Excellent

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Walter's avatar

I agree, but the left can do the same type of bullying. The extreme example is Mao and the Cultural Revolution

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The Rational League's avatar

Im not saying they cant, but as of right now, MAGA are the ones playing by these rules. This constant need by people to say "but the left" is remiscent of when people criticize Islam and the response is usually "but what about Christianity?"

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Rain Robinson's avatar

Thank you for good advice to deal with any bullying! Individually, or in a group setting. Even at a party gathering, when a loudmouth commandeers everyone's attention by shaming or putting down, for no reason, another guest.

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Marycat2021's avatar

I have noticed that the biggest mistake people make is in believing that Trump and the MAGAts are merely stupid, because their beliefs are so far away from what we think of as normal. This form of denial fosters apathy. Many believe that after the midterms, the Democrats will regain the House and will impeach Trump. They forget that Trump has already been impeached twice. Besides, how can they be so sure there will be midterms? Every day, Trump grabs more power while being assisted by the very people meant to stop him.

Thank you for explaining the psychology behind this dangerous cult. I have been searching for the very important information you provide. I have read about the politics of the rise of strongmen, but found little that explains the cult of personality, how and why it forms. You explain how this wretched herd mentality forms, grows and sustains itself. I only wish I knew how to stop it.

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sourapples's avatar

“Troll!” They scream

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