I’ve been in education for decades, and always appreciated the alienation of some young people who felt the system was against them. They had a low “locus of fate control.” (Yes, a psych term, but bear me out.) When they got low grades, it was the system’s fault. When they came to class late too many times, or took too many days off to go hunting or fishing, the principal was against them. When they tried to get a job and a person with darker skin or a woman got it (because they worked harder or had better grades) it was the system’s fault. Shit happens!
At the very root of the psyche of these folks is the idea that they aren’t worthy. That their ideas aren’t good enough. Of course, the idea that you get what you work for isn’t really strong.
Then there’s this presidential campaign. A total charlatan (very much like the Wizard of Oz) promises to make America (AKA guys like them) great again. There is no obligation to work, study or follow rules. It’s all magical. They buy it, and tell their friends that they are for that candidate.
Then a very intelligent WOMAN tells them their candidate is a total scam, irresponsible, immoral and probably illegal. They are told again that they are dumb! The ads are devastating. But those ads just confirm the idea that they have been stupid for supporting that candidate.
So they rebel! Any surprise?
For seven weeks I’ve been in absolute despair about how people could support such a total scam artist, and a person who has absolutely no understanding of government. And suddenly it dawned on me. While I believe Hillary Clinton would have been an amazing president, her judgment—and her attacks on Trump supporters—were totally off base.
To ever make progress with those voters, we must help them feel more competent, not more stupid. In psychological terms, that’s called “agency.” Elections in this country are controlled by about 5 percent in the middle. Telling that fraction that you think they are stupid isn’t going to get us anywhere.
I spent summer and early fall in Northern Michigan where we live. I did not see A SINGLE AD explaining how a Democratic platform would make lives more livable. I saw MANY ads telling Trump supporters they were stupid (in so many words.)
I also had an insightful evening with good people who had Trump signs on the road. They thought they HAD to vote for him because of abortion. The pope’s stand on climate change never came up. The diocese produced an expensive flyer on issues-and violated every law by implying that the Catholics up there had to vote for Trump.
So what do we get? A candidate who owes so much to Russia that he must totally avoid any CIA briefings about their involvement in election rigging.
I think we all need a glass of wine and an examination of conscience. Thinking that your neighbor is dumb—and implying that in every campaign ad and effort we make—will get us nowhere.
I have heard that Bill Clinton realized this, and tried to tell Hillary’s campaign staff. If that is true, it’s criminal. We need to go to the neighborhood (lousy) coffee shop, and with friendship and understanding explain to them how Democratic polices would make payday Friday better for them and their families.
Making our neighbors feel stupid for supporting Trump is getting us nowhere.
New Year’s Resolution: Love thy neighbor, and educate him.