A small business owner who voted for Donald Trump recently posted a video on TikTok, pleading for help as crushing tariffs on China threatened to bankrupt his operation, which imports alloy wheels. His call for support, however, drew little sympathy from some fellow Americans.
“Votes have consequences,” he was told, with many comments from Twitter/X users relishing the notion that another MAGA voter was suffering because of their political choice. The backlash prompted a second video from the man, in which he dropped several F-bombs while criticizing the apparent heartlessness of those celebrating his hardship.
It’s a combination. I saw a video last week about how MAGA tout their larger amyglya (spelling err) as proof they are smarter. The video pointed out that part of the brain regulates fear.
Fear makes one vulnerable to influence by would be protectors. Stoke enough fear and critical thinking is very difficult.
Smarter people learn how to manage the fear and rise above it.