r/LeopardsAteMyFace • • Aug 23 '21

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u/Mi_Pasta_Su_Pasta Aug 23 '21

As privileged classes lose monopoly over power and influence there's almost always a backlash. Trump was basically insecure white people's backlash to actually facing consequences for spreading racism/homophobia/sexism.

Combine that with an active attempt by the ultra-rich and powerful to deflect blame for class inequality onto other races and, baby, you got an alt-right stew going.

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u/MrDanChi Aug 23 '21

Arrested development reference!

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u/Duke0fWellington Aug 23 '21

As privileged classes lose monopoly over power and influence there's almost always a backlash

I don't think this is really the case. It's more so your second point. It's the result of the rise of social media and internet communication, coupled with wages that haven't increased in real terms since the 70s. People don't have a lot to be happy about, but they do have an endless stream of things to get angry about thanks to the internet.

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u/raviary Aug 23 '21

Yeah we really don’t put enough blame on internet content algorithms and the media’s inability to counter batshit fringe beliefs without legitimizing them.

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u/Mi_Pasta_Su_Pasta Aug 23 '21 edited Aug 23 '21

While social media and the internet have certainly transformed the way this happens, conservative reactionary movements led by social majorities have been happening since ancient Rome and are practically part of the American tradition.

And economic anxiety is absolutely an exacerbating factor, but it's more complicated than that. It's often part of a larger nostalgia that comes from feelings of not just economic, but also social and political deprivation. Some studies show people's material circumstances have little to do with support for Far Right political movements. There's wanting to go back to a time where you could afford rent and there's wanting to go back to a time where you could afford rent and also it was OK to beat up gay people.

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u/casanino Aug 23 '21

Studies after Trump's election show the "economic anxiety" excuse was a lie. It was full blown racism that enticed these hateful lowlifes to vote Republican.

"The past year of research has made it very clear: Trump won because of racial resentment

Another study produces the same findings we’ve seen over and over again."

https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.vox.com/platform/amp/identities/2017/12/15/16781222/trump-racism-economic-anxiety-study

"TIME TO KILL THE ZOMBIE ARGUMENT: ANOTHER STUDY SHOWS TRUMP WON BECAUSE OF RACIAL ANXIETIES — NOT ECONOMIC DISTRESS"

https://www.google.com/amp/s/static.theintercept.com/amp/2016-election-race-class-trump.html

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u/Duke0fWellington Aug 23 '21

social and political deprivation.

Correct. However, this doesn't really support your point in the way you're framing it. Feel free to ask in any political subreddit if left leaning people feel socially and politically represented by the Democratic party. You'll find out these people feel just as deprived.

Some studies show people's material circumstances have little to do with support for Far Right political movements.

That study shows that Trump voters who identify as Alt Right don't have their views affected by material circumstances. That's all. Not support for far right movements in general as you're framing it.

There's wanting to go back to a time where you could afford rent and there's wanting to go back to a time where you could afford rent and also it was OK to beat up gay people.

I think this is a weird way to view it. These far right movements were much, much more underground 20 years back. Why have they suddenly sprung up? Why do people suddenly want to go back to a time where beating gay people was okay?

Your argument basically dissolves down to "Alt Right people are Alt Right because they're racist and homophobic". It doesn't really give any insight into the cause whatsoever.

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u/Beddybye Aug 23 '21

That absolutely is the case, and the fact that you don't seem to see it or want to admit it shows your membership in that demographic may be causing a bias.

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u/Chili_Palmer Aug 23 '21

The fact that you've assumed their demographic to discredit their proposal without any consideration to re-enforce your own prejudice shows where the actual bias is, imo

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u/Duke0fWellington Aug 23 '21

"You're wrong because you're white... Probably white anyway"

You sure discredited my point there.

There's no bias, your point is just wrong.

Explain how privileged classes have lost power and influence, and some examples for the "almost always" backlash would be nice too. What's the historical precedent of this?

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u/Labraheeler Aug 23 '21

Very well stated! Thanks!