Politics of Hate category archive
Tales of the Trumpling: Snapshots of Trickle-Down Trumpery 0
Afterthought:
I did a year of grad work (History, U. S. Southern) at U. Va. I had a couple of great professors, one so-so one, and one so bad that his book got remaindered under his nose right there in C’ville.
I learned one thing in particular: A love for the study of history is not ipso facto a qualification for becoming a professional academician.
A Nation of Immigrants 0
David and Tom Gjelten discuss the history of American immigration policy. It’s dirtier and more twisted than you might have thought (at least, if you have not studied it).
Aside:
I think I have mentioned before in these electrons that the history of American immigration laws is a tutorial in applied racism.
The Bully’s Pulpit 0
Sasha Abramsky joins the ranks of the optimists.
But something’s changed over the past months. Trump’s bullying tactics may no longer work. Where his antics once inspired fear, they now increasingly inspire mockery and fierce opposition.
Disparate Treatment, The Politics of Fear Dept. 0
At AL.com, long-time Republican lobbyist John Meredith, who has been named as one of the country’s 100 most influential Black Republicans, argues that our current state of political paralysis stems from fear and the exploitation of fear for political gain. He goes on to suggest that some fears are more important than others.
A snippet:
By comparison, if you fear illegal immigration, terrorism or drugs — bread and butter GOP issues, your fear must be addressed even if it means shutting down the federal government.
The column is worth your while.
The Little Smirk 0
The Native American speaks. A snippet:
And, as John Cole points out, it looks like the little smirk is going to get away with it.
Wall-Eyed Piker, One More Time 0
Gary Drummond discusses former New Jersey Governor Thomas Kean’s suggestion of a “compromise” on Donald Trump’s wall, noting a point that many who are making similar proposals overlook: this is a hostage situtation, not a negotiation. A snippet:
Misdirection Play 0
Pamela Person has some questions.
Follow the link for her answers.
Tribes and Tribulations 0
Mike Brooks suggests that the tribalism of our contemporary politics is rooted in humans’ evolutionary past. He points out that, until very recently in the sweep of history, humans lived in tribal groups of up to a couple of hundred persons. Even when persons were absorbed in the realms of empires and kingdoms, day-to-day transactions were confined to villages with few inhabitants. He suggests that Donald Trump’s desire for a border wall both symbolizes is fed in part by a toxic hyper-tribalism. A snippet:
(snip)
In one sense, it can be okay to take some pride in this affiliation (e.g., “I’m proud to be an American,” “I love my university”). However, it’s easy to slip into tribal, us vs. them mentality when we start saying versions of “me and my group are better than you and your group.” Arguably, this is how patriotism (e.g., “I love my country”) can turn into a more tribal nationalism (e.g., “my country is the best/greatest”). A look back through history (e.g., Nazi concentration camps, genocides, slavery, ethnic cleansing) offers hard lessons about what can happen when hyper-tribalism runs amok.
I commend the entire article to your attention.
Suffer the Children 0
Thom reports on a study that racist and sexist bullying among middle school children has increased since the election of Donald Trump.
Muddled Masses 0
Over at Juanita Jean’s, El Jefe has some thoughts. Here’s a bit:
